Pow Wow Etiquette
We are looking forward to seeing you at the Pow Wow! To make sure everyone has the best time, we have included some things below that every Pow Wow goer should know. Thanks so much for taking some time to learn some basic Pow Wow etiquette.
If you have any further questions, please email utd-powwow@uwaterloo.ca
Who can attend:
A Pow Wow is a gathering/celebration that everyone with a respectful mind and good heart can attend. Spectators are welcome to come and go as they please, browsing vendors, enjoying good food, or taking it easy while watching the many different styles of dancing. To attend as a vendor, dancer, or volunteer, please register on the main event page. No registration necessary for spectators. Tickets to be purchased at the door.
Respect for ceremony:
The Grand Entry and Opening Ceremony signal the beginning of the Pow Wow. The Opening Prayer will be offered by an Elder, veterans and leaders will carry flags and Eagle Staffs, and drummers/singers offer honour songs. The Emcee will announce when there are ceremonial aspects taking place, and how to respect them.
Photography:
Some moments of a Pow Wow aren’t supposed to be photographed, such as ceremonies and prayers. The Emcee will let folks know when it is not an appropriate time to take photos. Ask permission before taking photos of individuals. Please show respect for the dancers and ask for permission from the dancer or the dancer’s parents if they’re a minor. Do not sell photos of the event for profit without agreement from and compensation for the dancer. You should also offer to share the dancers name and/or nation in any photo credits.
Do not bring drugs or alcohol:
A Pow Wow is a cultural event/celebration. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the premises. Aside from the celebration aspect, Pow wows are also places of ceremony and healing.
Pay attention to the announcers:
The Emcee will be speaking throughout the event instructing the crowd when to stand, sit, and join in on the dance! They will share teachings about the Pow Wow as the day progresses, impress you with Pow Wow humour, and give you the go ahead to cheer dancers on.
Traditional vs. Competition Pow Wows:
Some Pow Wows are traditional ceremonies (such as the one hosted here on campus in September), while others are performed as competition. In competition Pow Wows, dancers and drummers compete for prize for money. At traditional Pow wows there is no competition, but there are typically spot dances and specials with cash prizes and give aways. Regardless of which type of Pow Wow you are attending, the same protocols and respect should be given.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions:
A Pow Wow is a spiritual experience for those participating, but you may not understand if you’re new to these events. If you have any questions, it’s always better to ask!
Browse the local vendors:
While browsing local vendors, enjoy the experience by asking questions, supporting, and uplifting Indigenous artists and crafts people. You may negotiate a bit, but remember many of the items for sale are hand-crafted and take a lot of skill and time to create.
It’s not a costume, we call it a regalia:
A dancer’s regalia is how they dress their spirit, so a dancer’s regalia holds spiritual significance. Regalia consists of hand crafted garments and adornments, and sacred items. Some dancers have several different regalia, and one may take several years to complete. A dancers regalia is specific to them. It may showcase spirit colours, special items, and gifts received. Each piece may tell a story about a dancer’s region, nation, clan, history, or other meaningful things. Please don’t touch a dancer’s regalia or hair. These are sacred.
Please leave your pets at home:
Different Indigenous groups have different teachings about pets, but it is widely acknowledged that pets should not be in attendance at Pow Wows. The Anishinaabeg have a teaching that the Creator separated the path of man and wolf for a good reason. These paths will converge again, but until that time dogs and other pets should be left at home during ceremony. Service animals are welcome!
Join in the dancing!
An “Intertribal” is a dance where everybody is welcome to enter the arena and boogie! Everybody includes Indigenous, non-Indigenous, in regalia, no regalia, young, old …everybody come out and dance! The Emcee will let you know when these are taking place throughout the day. You might even be one the lucky ones who wins a prize in a spot dance!
