JULY 1, 1999
11
Seekers group to meet at Casino
Recent issues of Smoke Signals have focused on dancing and regalia, ven
dors, and feathers. Now you are ready to go to pow-wow! The final segment
of our four-part series focuses on protocol, and how to prepare yourself for
an enjoyable pow-wow experience. If you plan to attend a pow-wow for the
first time, these tips may be especially helpful.
SHOW RESPECT
When you attend a pow-wow it is important to remember that you are an
observer of ancient ceremonies and traditions that have survived every pos
sible adversity. Proper behavior is very important in showing respect to
others.
Under no circumstances are alcohol or drugs allowed on pow-wow grounds.
U Alcohol is the greatest curse ever visited on the Native American, and
will not be tolerated at pow-wow. People bringing alcohol into a pow-wow
will be escorted out by tribal security. If you can't stay sober for a few hours,
you are in the wrong place.
jvThe area for dancing is called the arena, and it is usually in the form of a
(circle. There is a sheltered area, which can either be in the form of an
arbor, or simply a canopy, which designates a resting place for the Elders,
the dancers and singers, and pow-wow officials. Take care not to sit in these
places. They are easy to identify.
folt is common to set up tipis on the pow-wow grounds. These are not open
Uto the public. Some participants live in them for the duration of the pow
wow. Tipis and other structures set up for classes and demonstrations will
be clearly marked.
iDon't take pictures or shoot video at random. If there is a particular
(dance you want to photograph, ask permission of the announcer. If you
see a dancer who is especially striking, ask permission to take their photo. It
would be a courtesy to take their name and address and send them a copy of
the photo. Human kindness and consideration are always long remem
. bered and deeply appreciated.
pfA dancer's clothing is regalia not a costume and is a prized posses
VJsion. Some regalia has been handed down through generations and is
priceless. When a dancer decides to "come out" in a particular style, the
regalia reflects the spirit and customs of the people being honored. A "com
ing out" ceremony for a new dancer is a cause for great celebration. The
regalia is handmade, usually by the dancer, friends, and family. Every
article has special meaning. Do not ever touch a dancer's regalia without
permission. The regalia is an expression of spirit that has been prayed over
and blessed. Honor it, the person wearing it, and the living history is repre
sents. vFinally, put aside the Hollywood image of what an "Indian" looks like.
(Native Americans are not about physical attributes, but what is in their
heritage, blood, and heart. Physical characteristics are not a clear indica
tion of a person's tribal lineage or heritage.
BE COMFORTABLE
A pow-wow is no place to dress to impress. You will impress no one, and
end up being uncomfortable. ' Most pow-wows are held in the country, far
away from conveniences we all take for granted. The following tips will
help you get the most from your experience at pow-wow.
folf you are in a hurry, don't go. Forget clocks and schedules. Be in the
U moment, in every sense of the word.
djvTake plenty of water. Be aware of your body temperature, and don't get
(overheated. Pow-wows are usually held in the summer, but even if you
are going to a pow-wow at a school campus or college that may be held
indoors, it is best to be prepared with water for yourself and your family.
dWear loose, comfortable clothing that does not bind. You will be glad you
did.
Remember that you will probably be walking on dusty, uneven ground
(and weaving your way through crowds of people. Wear comfortable walk
ing shoes that give your feet plenty of support and protection.
foTake a hat for yourself and children to protect everyone from the sun.
U There will likely be no shelter and very little natural shade.
vBe sure your children know where the announcer's booth is. If you should
(get separated, tell them to go to the announcer and ask him to call for
you over the loudspeaker. Don't panic if you lose someone. They are most
likely safe you just can't see them.
foThere are a variety of food vendors who sell dishes that are usually pre
Vjf pared fresh on the spot. This is the place to try an Indian taco or frybread,
or other foods. If you are on a special diet, you are welcome to take a cooler
of food and snacks with you.
vlf you take your pet, keep it on a leash. Many vendors and participants
Vtravel with dogs. But be considerate of others and take your pooper
scooper to clean up any messes it makes.
dSome pow-wows have campgrounds and space for RV and trailer hook
ups. Be sure to call the hosting tribe and ask before you go.
Reprinted ffrm Tie Poiu-tww , i ,Vw. iw;-) i,.-
Seekers, a community-based cul
tural group will meet Saturday,
July 10 to discuss geology and his
torical tribal documents.
Discussion of: the Lachance, Nor
west, and Quenelle families; 1830's
baptisms; the Tribal Charter; origi
nal constitutions; present constitu
tion; the 1954 termination roll; the
estoration roll; and Catholic Church
ecords (Mannick Books), will also be
available for inspection.
The upcoming Special Amendment
vote will also be discussed.
The Tribal Council, those running
for Council, and all tribal members
are invited to attend.
The meeting will be July 10 at the
Rouge River Room at the Casino
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more in
formation call Cindy or Janet at
(503) 864-4303.
Twah Sunchako
Head Start
school year 1999-2000
For an application:
Marissa Leno at 579-2161
VikW Bishop at 879-2287
by July 16.
Friday, July 9 Noon to 2 p.m.
28475 McPherson Road
Grand Meadows Grand Ronde
It's for ages 3-11. Please bring a bicycle
and helmet to participate. All partici
pants must be accompanied by an adult.
Sponsored by the Confederated Tribes of
Grand Ronde Wellness Program.
If you have any questions, please contact
Bonnie Tom at (503) 879-2016.
JULY. 8-11: NESPELEM CELEBRATION POW-WOW & ALL INDIAN RODEO. NESPELEM,
WA. (509) 634-4711.
JULY. 9-11: GRAND RONDE VETERANS' POW-WOW. GRAND RONDE, OR. Grand
Entries: Sat. at noon and 6:30 p.m.; Sun. at noon. Contact: Marce or Sharon Norwest at
(503) 879-5878.
JULY. 9-11 : PINOLEVILLE INDIAN RESERVATION BIG TIME. Orr Springs Road. UKIAH,
CA. Contact: Leona Williams at (707) 463-1454.
JULY. 9-11: AMERICAN INDIAN ART FESTIVAL. Mission Plaza. SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA.
Contact: Sonny or Elaine Reyna at (408) 623-2379.
JULY. 16-18: WALLOWA BAND NEZ PERCE DESCENDENTS FRIENDSHIP FEAST
AND POW-WOW. WALLOWA, OR. 1-800-585-4121.
JULY. 16-18: QUILEUTE DAYS. LaPUSH, WA. Contact: Karsten Boysen at (360) 374-
6163.'
JULY. 16-18: NOOKSACK TRIBE'S GENESIS II POW-WOW. EVERSON.WA. (360)966-
7704.
JULY. 16-18: ALL NATIONS POW-WOW. Los Vaqueros Rodeo Arena. BIG BEAR CITY,
CA. Contact: Faye Roman at (909) 584-9394.
JULY. 17-19: COLUMBIA RIVER ANNUAL POW-WOW AND ENCAMPMENT. Roosevelt
Park. ROOSEVELT, WA. (509) 865-51 21, ext. 408.
JULY 17-19: THE WHOLE BEAD SHOW. LOS ANGELES, CA. Show hours: 10 am. to 6
p.m. 1-800-292-2577 or www.wholebead.com.
ohbdou mm
Fill., JULY ! -SAT.,
JULY 10
SIX., JULY 1 1
6:30 P.M.
ROYALTY PAGEANT
T
N00N-4:30 P.M. GRAND ENTRY
4:30 TO 6:30 P.M. DINNER BREAK
6:30 TO 11 P.M. GRAND ENTRY
NOON TO 4:30 P.M.- - GRAND ENTRY
MC: Bob Tom
Whipman: Craig Whitehead
Host Drum: Soaring Hawk from Eugene, OR
All Drums and Dancers Welcome
50-50 Drawing - Raffle
Open to the Public
Free Camping Free Parking
Vender and Pow-wow contacts:
Marce and Sharon Norwest at 879-5878
Sponsored by Grand Ronde Veterans' Committee