What is a Powwow? I hope that everyone enjoyed the presentation and I would ONEIDA NATION like to thank you, once again, Powwow time is the Native American people's way of meeting together, to for inviting us here today. We DANCERS join in dancing, singing, visiting, have fun sharing our culture renewing old friendships and make with you. In closing I would new ones. like to say:

This is a time to renew thought of the Yaw^ko old ways and to preserve a rich heritage. (Thank you and be well)

There are several different stories of how the Powwow was started. Some

believe that the war dance societies of the and other Southern Plains tribes were the origin of the Powwow.

Another belief is that when the Native Americans were forced onto reservations the government also

forced them to have dances for the public to come and see. Before each dance they were lead through the

town in a parade, which is the beginning of the Grand Entry.

Dancers have always been a very important part of the life of the American Indian. Most dancers seen at Powwows today are social dances Oneida Nation which might have had different Tourism A Unique Cultural meanings in earlier days. Experience 909 South Packerland Drive Although dance styles and content Green Bay, WI 54303 have changed, their meaning and Phone: 920.496.5020 Phone: 920.496.5020 importance has not. The outfits worn Fax: 920.496.7494 by the dancers, like the styles of [email protected] clothing today evolve over time, it is not a stagnant culture, but a vibrant and changing way of life.

Powwow Etiquette Men’s Categories Women’s Categories

Bring your own seating when attending Fancy Dance or Fancy Feather Fancy Shawl: pow-wows, because public seating is the Dance: A dance featuring women wearing exception rather than the rule. Lawn chairs A dance featuring vivid regalia with brilliant colors, a long, usually are the most common way of solving this. dramatic movement. Aside from fringed and decorated, shawl, bright color and non-traditional performing rapid spins and elaborate Ask permission before taking pictures materials, fancy dancers are also dance steps. of dancers. Many people are sensitive distinguished by use of a two-bustle about pictures, so it is always good to be on design on their regalia. There are the safe side and ask. (healing dance): two styles of the roach: In the The jingle dress includes a skirt with Always stand during special songs. North, it is the same as the grass hundreds of small tin cones that This includes Grand Entry, Flag Songs, dance roach, in the South, the make noise as the dancer moves Veteran Songs, Memorial Songs, Prayer roaches have rockers, two feathers with light footwork danced close to Songs, or any other song that the M.C. on springs that rock back and forth. ground. designates. It is also customary to remove any hats that you have on for the duration : of that song. Traditional: A dance, featuring regalia with long, A dance featuring traditional regalia Remember you are a guest. Have fun, flowing fringe and beadwork of cloth or leather, featuring ask questions and meet people. Everyone designs. Dance movements are more authentic design and materials, and there is welcome! elaborate than the traditional dancers who perform, with precise, dancers, but less flashy than the highly controlled movement. Never come to a fancy dancers. Their movements are meant to be reminiscent of prairie intoxicated, bring alcohol or drugs! Buckskin and Cloth refers to the type grasses blowing in the wind. Place your blanket on the bench you of material of which the dress is want to sit at ahead of time. Nothing is made. The Southern leather regalia Northern Traditional: worse than not having a seat after the is similar to its Northern cloth dancing has begun! Never sit on someone A dance featuring traditional regalia, counterpart. The dance steps are else's blanket without their permission. authentic design and materials, the same for both regalia categories. single or no bustle, and movements Give respect to the Head Man and based on traditional dances Lady. Don't begin dancing until they do, simulating battles or a journey. and honor them in their Special with a dollar bill given to them in a handshake.