|
Powwow Etiquette
Pow Wows are fun events, but they are also sacred events
Ceremonial songs and dances which are sacred, are shared with the people from time to time throughout the powwow.
People should stand during all ceremonial songs and dances. These include the Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Veteran Songs,
Honour Songs, and any other songs that the M.C. designates as ceremonial songs.
Do not take any photos, video or sound recordings of ceremonies without asking permission from the person or group you are recording. Some areas of Turtle Island do not allow the recording of ceremonies at all
People should listen to the M.C. because he will announce the different songs and will also let visitors know when they can dance and when they cannot. He will also give our other information and news.
Respect the Elders, singers, dancers, drummers, and the powwow staff and committee.
The dancers wear regalia while they are dancing, not "costumes." People should not touch the regalia or take photos unless they receive permission from the dancer.
Appropriate dress and behaviour are required in the dance area.
The sacred fire is a place to examine your thoughts and to pray. Do not turn your back to the Sacred Fire.
Do not talk loudly around the fire or throw anything into the fire. Tobacco will be available at the fire and people who pray there offer small amounts to the creator.
People should take good care of their children at the powwow. Do not hold children while dancing in the dance area. The child may be construed as a gift to the Creator.
Do not run around the dance area. Horseplay is not tolerated. Always walk in a clockwise direction when you are in the dance area.
Do not bring drugs or alcohol to a powwow. Do not come to a powwow if you are intoxicated.
Dogs are not permitted around the powwow area. If you are travelling with your pet, please seek out the powwow staff for advice on where dogs can be walked.
Bring your own chairs. Do not sit on someone else's chair unless you ask permission.
Remember, you are a guest. Have fun, ask questions, and meet people.
|
|
Contact the Committee:
|
Got questions? Contact us here:.
 Email
709-647-1370 | | |
|
The Origins of Powwow |
![]() |
Many First Nations that still practice the traditional way of life, share a common belief that when the Creator made this world, a uniqueness and power to each nation was given-thus, nature and power and the Indian People spoke the same language. The spirit of the power is held sacred and only upon instruction from the medicine man or woman, could this power be exercised. Songs and dances that signified spirituality and religion were used in ceremonies. Upon seeing these ceremonies, the early European explorers thought powwow was the whole dance when it actually referred to healers and spiritual leaders by the Algonquian phrase of Pau Wau.
A Powwow is a celebration of aboriginal culture. "Powwow" is an Algonquin term meaning "medicine man" or "he who dreams". A Powwow is a unique event signified by social exchanges, cultural sharing and ceremonious rituals. Indeed, the Powwow is a time of teaching, learning, singing, dancing, feasting, sharing and healing.
Powwows are an expression of culture, pride, and identity. It is a unifying ritual of the young and the old, a recollection of the past and a celebration of the future. Each of the participants at a Powwow has a significant contribution and a role in Aboriginal society. The elders are the carriers of traditional teachings, which are shared with the young and not-so young. It is the duty of the learners to respect their elders for the
wisdom that they hold. Women are highly regarded for they are the bearers of life and ultimately of Aboriginal culture.
Throughout the Powwow, one can expect to experience the different cultures of the First Nations. Dancers, singers, drummers, elders, traditional teachers, craftsmen, food vendors converge from throughout the Mi'kmaq traditional territory to participate in the excitement. The Powwow begins each day with a grand entry entourage led by a flag bearer carrying the eagle staff - the traditional flag. At this time, the drum begins to reverberate and all are beckoned to remain standing and to remove their hats for the Flag Song and the Veteran's Song. The honour to sing the Flag Song and Veteran's Song is bestowed upon the host drum. The eagle staff is held high above the ground, as the flag bearer dances in a clockwise pattern from east to west around the dance area. Behind the flag bearer, war veteran's parade while carrying the Canadian and American flags. Trailing behind the flag bearers are the lead female and male dancers. Behind the lead dancers are the traditional women, followed by the host of the Powwow. In single file come the male traditional dancers, fancy shawl dancers, and last but not least the children dancers.
Assembling in a circle of life no one is above another. The number four is held sacred in respect to the four cardinal directions. When paying respect, the east is
honoured first. The East is where life began. No one can survive without the sun and the sun rises in the east to bring forth life.
Why are Mi'kmaq cultural events Drug and Alcohol free?
Other than the obvious reasons of wanting to promote a healthy way of life and keep our events safe from abuse, we want to recognize that drugs and alcohol are killing so many First Nations people, and in fact many peoples from all over the world. They are Not a part of our Aboriginal cultures, and out of respect for our Nation, and of the many people who have suffered, we choose to promote wellness, and protect our people, guests, ceremonies, and gatherings from harm. This is the example we wish to pass on to our children.
Why are our Mi'kmaq Ceremonies Drug and Alcohol Free?
Our purpose in taking part in these ceremonies is to purify the mind, body, and
spirit, to pray for the healing of others, Mother Earth, and self, to seek spiritual guidance, and to pay respect to Gisoolg (Creator) for all that has been provided for
sustenance. We ask people to be absent from (non prescription drugs) and alcohol for at least four days prior to taking part in any
ceremony. There are many reasons for this. Safety of everyone involved is important as well as providing a clean and clear mind and body so that a person is "present" and aware, and ready to commit oneself to the ceremony. Respect is an important Mi'kmaq value and our ceremonies need to be respected from abuse of any kind.
For further information on the Mi'kmaq way of life, some of their traditions and ceremonies, please check out the link below
(the Committee would like to thank the Members of Indian
Head First Nation who put the resource kit together)
Resource Kit
|
|
| |
