POWWOW AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROTOCOLS, TERMINOLOGY AND DANCE STYLES

Transcription

1 POWWOW AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROTOCOLS, TERMINOLOGY AND DANCE STYLES

2 WELCOME A powwow is for all to enjoy and spectators are encouraged to come share in the good feelings that are generated through song and dance. However, technically, there are no spectators at a powwow. Everyone is considered a participant, even if you do not do anything but lend your presence. Everyone has a place in the circle.

3 HISTORY The celebration was introduced in Saskatchewan by the Nakota, Dakota peoples Powwow comes from the Algonkian word, pau wau referring to medicine men and spiritual leaders. Aspects of powwow evolved from Wild West shows. Powwows were banned by the Indian Act until 1951 Traditional powwows lack the competitive programs for dancing and drum groups found in contemporary powwows One teaching is that dancers dance to honour and remember all First Nation people. They dance for the sick, elderly and those that can t dance

4 PROTOCOLS Show respect for ceremonial objects, regalia, drums, Elders, singers, dancers and staff Stand and remove hats for Grand Entry, Flag songs, invocations, and Honour songs Respectful attire and behaviour in the dance arena No alcohol, drugs, inappropriate language or unruly behaviour Ask permission to take photos of participants Women on their moon time should avoid the dance area Everyone is welcome to participate in intertribal dances

5 TERMINOLOGY Grand Entry processional of all dancers and dignitaries. Lead by Eagle staff, flags, veterans, Elders, dignitaries. Followed by dancers grouped by age and dance style Flag Songs special songs to demonstrate respect for the accomplishments of an individual or group. Stand motionless. Victory Songs sang to reflect First Nations great pride in cultural survival and honouring the sacrifices of veterans. Dance in place to beat of music. Competition Dancing dancers register and compete in one category based on their age and style of dancing. They compete for points to win cash prizes. Specials sponsored by families, organizations or the powwow committee to honour or raise funds for an individual or group. Can be a song or dance contest. Giveaways gifts given to specific people or the general public as a sign of honour and appreciation. The giveaway is followed by a thank-you song. Feather Pickup if an eagle feather is dropped a special ceremony is held to retrieve it. If you see a feather fall do not pick it up but tell someone. Regalia Highly symbolic outfits worn by dancers that reflect their style of dance. Eagle Staff a sacred emblem designed to symbolize the values of a specific organization. It is carried in to call on blessings and good feelings to the gathering.

6 Grand Entry

7 Men s Traditional Single bustle worn on the hips Subdued colours Roach headdress Items denoting warrior status such as shield, coup stick, eagle wing fan Movements patterned after those used in tracking the enemy, or hunting for animals Dance Styles

8 Dance Styles Women s Traditional Stationary bending knees slightly moving up and down discreetly turning one way and then the other symbolizing seeking the return of the warriors Graceful walking taking discreet steps in time to the drum. May wear buckskin or cloth dresses decorated with beads, shells, coins or ribbons. Most carry a shawl draped over one arm and an eagle wing fan

9 Men s Grass Dance Styles Fringed shirt, pants and apron decorated with bead and ribbon work Roach headdress Characteristically shake shoulders and sway torso and hips from side to side Change directions quickly and use trick steps to appear off balance resembling grass blowing in the wind

10 Women s Jingle Dress Traditional Ojibwa dance Cloth dress decorated with hundreds of metal cones Contemporary dancers carry eagle wing fans raised during honour beats The traditional dancer dances in a pattern, her feet never cross, nor does she dance backward or turn a complete circle. Contemporary dancers do these things. Dance Styles

11 Men s Fancy Most vibrant and colourful regalia Two bustles Fancy footwork and complex moves Incorporates acrobatics, spinning and double steps Trick songs with unpredictable stops Dance Styles

12 Dance Styles Women s Fancy Shawl Multi coloured cloth dresses with satin ribbon edging. Matching beaded yokes, wide belts, and high top moccasins Designer shawls with long multi-coloured fringes The dance requires nimbleness, strength, endurance and athleticism Involves vigorous turns, whirls, changing body positions and intricate footwork

13 Dance Styles Hoop Dance Specialty dance using any number of hoops Men and women perform it the hoop symbolizing the never-ending circle of life shapes are formed in storytelling ritual such as the butterfly, the eagle, a flowering plant, Mother Earth. Brian Hammill three time world champion zrf8lohws

14 Judging Coordination and combination of body and foot movements typical to dance style Keeping perfect rhythm with the drum and songs, ending on the last beat Balance, poise, grace and posture Efficient use of body and space Overall appearance and colour coordination of regalia Loose or dropped pieces of regalia Awarded points for participation in Grand Entry, intertribals, etc.

15 The drum is referred to as the heartbeat of our nation. A host drum group is given the honour of singing the honour songs and other songs chosen by the powwow committee. It is usually three to four feet in diameter, made from hides of elk, deer or cow and stretched over a wood or commercially made drum frame. The Drum

16 Enjoy the powwow!