Pow Wow Etiquette: 10 Rules to Follow in and Out of the Arena
Alysa Landry
Whether youāre a novice or veteran attending a pow wow, certain behaviors are expected while youāre on the grounds or in the arena. Although customs may vary from tribe to
tribeāand even from year to yearāsome basic rules remain the same.
Some breaches of etiquette are simply considered disrespectful while others may result in the offender being removed from the arena. Here are some tips to make sure your behavior is appropriate and your visit is memorable.
Dress modestly.
It is not appropriate to wear hats, swimsuits, extremely short skirts or shorts or halter tops. Do not wear T-shirts or other items of clothing with profanity or inappropriate slogans.
If you plan to participate in dances that are open to the public, keep in mind that some tribes require women to wear a shawl or cover their shoulders.
Always listen to the master of ceremonies or announcer
āThe MC will tell you when you can photograph [and] he will tell you when you can dance,ā said Leonard Anthony, a Navajo gourd dancer and MC. āUsually visitors or outsiders can dance during the inter-tribal dance, but you need to listen for an announcement before you participate.ā
Courtesy Leonard Anthony
Leonard Anthony Steve Darden, Milton Yazzie
Stand up during the grand entry
Unless you are physically unable to stand, you are expected to show respect for the dancers and rise as they enter the arena.
The seats nearest the dancing circle are reserved for singers, dancers and drummers
If youāre a spectator, do not sit here.
āA first-time visitor looks for the best seats possible,ā said Dennis Zotigh, cultural specialist at the National Museum of the American Indian. āThe seats closest to the arena seem to be the best seats, but thatās because the dancers stand up and immediately begin dancing.ā
Pow wow grounds should be considered sacred places
A blessing is performed ahead of time and your actions should show respect for this religious and sacred ceremony.
United Tribes International Pow Wow Facebook
āItās like going to a church,ā Anthony said. āIf youāre going to a pow wow, you need to honor where the dances came from, the traditions and story behind them.ā
Refrain from negative thoughts or comments
The blessing that takes place beforehand sets the tone of the event and sanctifies the area, Zotigh said. Although the blessing is usually not open to the public, its spiritual nature should be taken seriously.
āOur elders have taught us not to dance or sing with negative karma,ā he said. āThat karma will expand and affect others.ā
Do not bring alcohol, drugs or firearms to a pow wow
An exception is tobacco used for blessings or as gifts. Smoking is considered disrespectful, Zotigh said.
Follow protocol and common sense when it comes to taking photographs
Never shoot photos during prayers, gourd dances or flag songs, or when the Master of Ceremonies has prohibited it. Additional rules apply in specific circumstances, Zotigh said. For example, spectators should not take photos of dancers in regalia without first asking permission.
āThis is especially true for professional photographers standing in the arena,ā he said. āOften dancers are wearing something special or personally spiritual to them. A lot of
dancers donāt like their beadwork photographed because someone can see that and copy the design.ā
Another rule of thumb is to never shoot photos of a dancer being initiated or receiving a plume or feather. Doing so can disrupt the spiritual process, Anthony said.
āThereās a prayer being said for that person and by taking pictures, youāre disrupting the connection,ā he said.
Pow wows are colorful and high-energy events
Spectators should have fun but also keep in mind that participants are not simply entertainers. Especially during contest pow wows, dancers, singers and drummers may be performing for money.
āThere are individuals who do this as a way of life,ā Zotigh said. āThey take it seriously because itās their income.ā
Finally, be flexible
The most important rule is to be willing to change your expectations and adapt to new situations.
Smithsonian Flickr page
āI think the main rule of every pow wow is that each one is different,ā Zotigh said. āThere is no standardization. Do as the host committee directs you to do. It may be against what youāve been taught, but if youāre a visitor, do what they want.ā
As younger participants join pow wows, some of the old rules are changing.
āThe old rules are being redefined each year,ā he said. āThings are changing, so be flexible with it.ā