Events

Events

WKIA

Pow Wow Etiquette
Here you will find a few things that you should know before you attend a powwow. Keep in mind; if you are always respectful, you will never
be wrong.

Listen and Learn - All people are welcome at powwow celebrations to learn and share in the cultural and social traditions. Everyone is
expected to show respect and understanding for these events.

Regalia - Not costumes! - A dancers regalia is never to be referred to as a costume!! These beautifully handcrafted outfits have been
created thru much time, energy and expense. Individuals, close friends and family members may work for years putting together a single
outfit. Each feather is considered highly sacred. Often pieces that make up a dancers regalia are family heirlooms.

Don't Touch - Please respect the regalia of each dancer. Always ask permission to touch anyone's personal possessions. Keep in mind
that each piece of fabric, ribbon, yarn, feather, bead or bell has been carefully selected or gifted, and hand sewn together. Carelessly
touching and tugging are not OK!

No Photographs - Photographs may not be taken without permission!! The MC (Master of Ceremonies) will announce the times when
photographs may be taken. In the event you wish to take the picture of an individual dancer, politely introduce yourself and ask permission,
(just as you would in any other situation). You may even offer to send copies to the individual that you are photographing.
In the event that you are a professional photographer be sure to let the dancer know that you may plan to sell or publish the photo that you
are taking. In this case it would be best to obtain a release from the individual dancer.

Recording - Recording during drumming is not permitted. Always ask permission.

Dance Arena - At the beginning of the powwow the dance arena will be blessed by the Spiritual Leader for that celebration. Once this is
done you may not enter the arena without permission. The MC will announce when guests are permitted into the arena. This will generally
be during Intertribal Dance, Round Dance, Blanket Dance, or a special Honoring dance.

Grand Entry (Stand Up) - The MC will announce the beginning of Grand Entry and will ask everyone to stand.
The Eagle Staff and American Flag will be brought into the dance arena. You will remain standing during the Flag Song and the Invocation.
The same will be asked during the Veterans Songs and Closing Songs. Men should always remove their hats during these times.

No Alcohol or Drugs - Powwows are a alcohol and drug free environment. Anyone under the influence or in the possession of either will
be escorted off of the powwow grounds.

Seating - The seating under the dance arbor is reserved for the dancers, drums and other powwow participants. It is wise to bring a
folding chair or blanket to sit on during the powwow. You may set your chair up just outside the dance arbor.

Respect the Elders - Treat everyone as you would wish to be treated. Respect the space of others. Be polite. Watch out for children.
Watch your own children. Remember your manners. Offer your seat or services to an elder in need.

Enjoy - Powwows are a special time to see family and friends. It is a wonderful time to make new friends, listen to music, eat great food,
shop for just about anything, and share in a new cultural experience. Always introduce yourself to new people, shake hands, ask
questions and learn what makes others special. We have all been brought together for a special reason. Dare to discover what that
special reason may be.

This list contains just a few of the many powwows that are in our area. Scroll down
to get information for powwow etiquette. If you would like to have your
organizations powwow or local Native American event listed on this site please
submit your request to wkia@wkia.info

- 2008 -
All Nations Pow Wow - El Camino College - April 4-5

Morongo Powwow - September

Hawaiian Gardens - August

13th Annual Sacramento Powwow - August

Borona Powwow - Lakeside, CA - September

Labor Day Powwow - Stockton, CA - August - September

El Cajon Powwow - September

Festival of the Americas - Placerville, CA - September

Hart Park Powwow - Newhall, CA - September 27-28

Soboba Powwow - San Jacinto, CA - September

Ohlone Powwow - Fremont, CA - April 25-27

11 A.C. Powwow - Bishop, CA - September 26-28

Four Winds Powwow - Ridgecrest, CA - September20-21

WKIA Harvest Gathering - Rosamond, CA - Saturday,
December 6 . Guest speakers TBA.

This site was last updated on: 3/22/08