Honour and respect are the guidelines for Pow-Wow etiquette. The following guidelines are typical at all Pow-Wows and should ensure you do not inadvertently offend someone.

 

1. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

2. During the Grand Entry, Flag Songs and Invocation the audience is asked to respect the flags, veterans, dancers and speakers by standing. Men are asked to remove their hats; they may keep their hats on if they have an eagle feather attached to it.

3. Photography is not always allowed during Grand Entry. You must listen to the M.C. who will tell you if and when it is allowed.

4. Special ceremonies are shown respect by the spectators and dancers standing. The M.C. will give directions regarding standing and photography.

5. The front seats or the edge of the dance circle are reserved for dancers and their families. Most powwows have designated shaded areas for elders to sit.

6. Parents are asked to respect the dance area and not allow children to run across it or onto it while there is a dance competition in progress.

7. Photographers are asked to stay off the actual dance area. Sometimes photographers will be seen inside the arbour, but these are usually official photographers.

8. Outside the dance arbour, please ask the dancers’ permission to take their picture, whether it is video or a regular camera. Usually, they will be pleased to let you do so. 

9. Children are irresistible; however, please ask their parents if you can take their photo. Ask yourself if you would like a total stranger taking your or your child’s photo without your permission.

10. DO NOT TOUCH ANY REGALIA, including those wonderful bustles hanging on a post or chair. Common courtesy dictates that you ask permission. Remember the importance of the regalia. Some of it has been handed down through generations. Usually, the dancer will be pleased to tell you about the regalia. This makes your photograph much more interesting because you will have some understanding of what it means.

11. Please do not touch the drums or any of the staffs you may see in the arbour or elsewhere. When all else fails and you are not sure what to do—ASK.

 

Powwow etiquette is fairly straightforward. Follow the guidelines and you will enjoy the event so much more because you will get to meet and talk to the dancers, drummers, officials and other spectators. You will also earn their respect. Meeting people is a major part of Powwow.

 

***This APPENDIX is borrowed from the 2003 book “Spirit of Powwow” by Kay Johnston and (Tenalh-t) Gloria Nahanee “Honeygirl”

The final line reads: 

 

“Gloria and I look forward to meeting you there someday.”​​

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