What is a Powwow?
The word powwow comes from the ancient Algonquin word for medicine man - pauwow - he dreams.Traditionally, the powwow celebration was an expression of song and dance, but another significant part of the gatherings was the giving of gifts - an important ritual in greeting old friends and making new ones.
Because the
traditional powwow is also about generosity, the Winnebago term hayluska
meaning to give or giving would be one way of describing this yearly event.
It is a time to come together in the
circle with honour and respect for each other. It is also a time to honour
the drum.
It is a time for the First Nations of
Turtle Island to reflect on who we are and to celebrate our rich heritage.
Reminiscent of the ceremonies of old,
performed by the medicine man, the powwow today is also a time for healing.
And that is often best accomplished through singing, dancing, sharing,
laughing, and loving.
Thus, men, women, and children gather
in their communities across the continent in a celebration of what it
means to be Native. It is a time for socializing, making new friends and
renewing old acquaintances.
We celebrate with dancing - always a
special component of the cultures of the Anishnaabeg.
As soon as the drumbeat begins, the
dancers come together in full regalia.
Today, many of the dances encompass
both traditional and contemporary forms of artistic expression. But, as
in the past, dances continue to be of a social nature each with its own
meaning and function.
Traditional styles of dance remain strong
but there is also a movement to incorporate a pan-Native aspect to contemporary
dance.
Thus there are often few differences
in regalia as many dancers “borrow” styles and designs from
other First Nations far away.
Singers are also important to the powwow.
Without them and the rhythm of the drum beat, there would be no dance.
The drum sounds, the singers begin,
and everyone joins together - dreaming of the old days, dreaming of the
old ways, but always thinking of the future - just as long ago.
