Page 17 - The Ogemawahj Tribal Council

Women’s Fancy TERMINOLOGY
Men’s Fancy Dance arena: a powwow is set up
in a series of large circles.
Men’s Grass Dance
The centre is the dance
Traditional arena, outside of which is
a larger circle consisting of
Games
the master of ceremonies
Refer to the Alderville First Nation Resource Book, page 34. and drum groups. Beyond these
two circles for participants is
There is a picture of two students doing the Potato Dance, where
the area for spectators.
students dance as a couple facing each other with a potato
regalia: the dance clothes
between their foreheads. They try to walk in balance and stay on a worn in the circle during the
path. Have students try this activity in pairs in class. powwow. They are personal
and an expression of the
6. Using a Venn diagram, compare the familiar celebrations
dancer’s life, feelings, interests,
generated by students in step 1 with what they have learned family, and spiritual quest.
about powwow. Discuss which elements are the same and which This is not to be referred to as
a costume.
are different.
master of ceremonies (MC):
Extension
the voice of the powwow.
If there is a school in your area that hosts a powwow, such as It is this person’s job to keep
the singers, dancers, and
Roseneath Centennial Public School, see if your class can attend.
public informed about what
Bring in a vetted local dancer (e.g., fancy dancer, hoop dancer) or is happening.
drum group to demonstrate their skills. drums: the drum is believed to
Make connections between powwow etiquette and protocols, carry the heartbeat of Mother
Earth, and thus calls the spirits
and ones that students are familiar with, for example, standing for
and nations together. It is to be
“Oh Canada” and standing for flag songs at powwow. treated with respect and care.
Strict behaviour is expected of
Additional Information anyone coming into contact
with the drum. It should not
Powwow Etiquette be touched by those not a
part of the drum group. Music
1. Listen to the MC. The MC will explain what is going on and
for powwow dance and other
announce the different songs, as well as let visitors know when it activities is provided by a drum.
is appropriate to join in. The big drum is only played
by men. Women support from
2. Respect and honour veterans and flag songs. Stand. Remove
the surrounding circle and can
hats unless the hat has an eagle feather. No photographs during also play hand drums. See the
these songs. weblinks list for a video of a
drum group.
3. If you want to photograph a drum, singer, or dancer outside of the
dance arena, ask first.

4. Do not touch a dancer’s regalia without permission. It is often
made of sacred objects or heirlooms.
5. If something falls off a dancer’s regalia, do not pick it up. Inform a
powwow volunteer instead.
6. Do not walk across the dance area; walk around.

Resource Books Leaders’ Guide 15