The resonant pulse of a drum, the melodic rise and fall of voices in chant, the visual spectacle of dancers adorned in vibrant regalia – these are the hallmarks of a powwow, a celebration of life, community, and heritage. Held in tribal halls and open spaces across North America, powwows serve as vital cultural gatherings, honoring traditions passed down through generations while embracing the spirit of unity and respect. This article delves into the heart of a recent powwow, exploring its significance, its rituals, and its profound connection to veterans, community, and the very heartbeat of existence. This is just part of Dancing to the Beat – What It All Means.
Imagine the scene: the David Salmon Tribal Hall in Kenai, Alaska, resonates with anticipation. The air itself seems to vibrate as the distinct jingle of bells announces the arrival of dancers. Led by the Midnight Sun drum group, hailing from the Kenai region, approximately twenty individuals, each a vessel of cultural expression, move purposefully towards the hall’s center. Their footsteps echo the rhythmic beat, a primal cadence that speaks to the enduring strength of Native traditions.
Adding to the sacred atmosphere, Don "Standing Bear" Forest, a respected figure within the community, performs a smudging ceremony. He carefully wafts the fragrant smoke of burning sage, a purifying agent, towards the assembled group. This ancient practice cleanses the space, preparing it for the ceremony and inviting positive energy to envelop the participants.
At the forefront of the procession march five military veterans, their presence adding a layer of solemnity and reverence to the occasion. They carry flags representing pivotal aspects of American identity and Native heritage: the United States, the state of Alaska, the poignant reminder of POW/MIAs, the Alaska Native Veterans Association, and the esteemed Marine Corps. These flags serve as powerful symbols of service, sacrifice, and the interwoven destinies of Native Americans and the nation.
As the dancers converge at the center of the room, a deeply symbolic gesture unfolds. The veterans, with deliberate care, lower the flagpoles, creating an opportunity for others to participate in a profound act of respect. Participants, moved by the spirit of the occasion, approach the flags and attach eagle feathers – sacred emblems representing honor, courage, and spiritual connection. This collective act underscores the deep respect and gratitude held for veterans and their unwavering commitment to protecting their communities and the nation.
Adding another dimension to the auditory tapestry, two of the five drum groups, strategically positioned against a nearby wall, begin to play. Their music is not merely a collection of notes and rhythms; it is a carefully crafted expression of honor and remembrance. The songs, specifically chosen for this moment, pay tribute to the veterans and the flags they carry, amplifying the feeling of reverence that permeates the hall.
Following a time-honored tradition observed in powwows across North America, this particular gathering, held in conjunction with the Festival of Native Arts at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, places a strong emphasis on honoring veterans. This dedication marks the commencement of the powwow, setting a tone of respect and gratitude that will resonate throughout the celebration. An estimated 250 people gather to partake in the powwow, which follows a traditional potlatch, further solidifying the sense of community and shared heritage.
Benno Cleveland, a Native man from Fairbanks and a veteran of the Vietnam War, sheds light on the significance of the "grand entry," the opening procession that initiates the powwow. He explains that this ceremony is a powerful demonstration of respect for the men and women who have made sacrifices for the betterment of their people. The grand entry serves as a visual and emotional acknowledgment of their service and dedication.
Cleveland further elaborates on the therapeutic potential of powwows for veterans. He suggests that the act of dancing can be a catalyst for healing, providing an outlet for emotions and a pathway to reconnect with their cultural identity. "When we get out there and dance, some of that helps heal the veterans," he observes, highlighting the profound impact of cultural expression on the well-being of those who have served. Cleveland, in his role as director of the veterans and dancers during the grand entry, understands firsthand the transformative power of this shared experience.
With the formal honoring of veterans complete, the focus of the powwow transitions to a broader celebration of life. This shift in emphasis underscores the powwow’s dual role as a space for remembrance and a testament to the enduring spirit of community.
Don "Standing Bear" Forest eloquently encapsulates this sentiment: "We gather all people and we celebrate life and we do that with song and dance and we try to teach our youth dignity and respect." His words highlight the powwow’s commitment to inclusivity, cultural transmission, and the cultivation of positive values within the younger generation. Forest, a seasoned organizer of powwows in the Fairbanks area, understands the importance of these gatherings in fostering a sense of belonging and pride.
Following the structured formality of the grand entry, the powwow adopts a more relaxed and informal atmosphere. The drum groups, taking turns, unleash a vibrant tapestry of rhythms and chants. The open floor space beckons, inviting members of the crowd to join in the dance, their movements guided by the infectious energy of the music. The attire of the participants reflects the diverse nature of the gathering, with some donning elaborate Native clothing, showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colors, while others opt for casual attire, emphasizing the welcoming and inclusive nature of the event.
While Alaska Natives constitute the majority of attendees, it is important to note that powwows and the tradition of intertribal drumming did not originate within Alaska. Ben Boyd, a Fairbanks resident who served as the lead dancer for the powwow, clarifies that powwows originated in the Lower 48 states and have since evolved into a unifying force, bringing together people from diverse tribes and even different racial backgrounds. This intertribal aspect underscores the powwow’s role as a bridge between cultures and a celebration of shared humanity. This is Dancing to the Beat – What It All Means.
Boyd, who identifies as having Cherokee heritage and originating from Oklahoma, describes himself as a medicine dancer, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of his participation. He explains that he enters a state of spiritual trance as he moves to the rhythm of the drums, allowing the music to guide his movements and connect him to a deeper sense of purpose. "That’s why I’m 59 years old and I can still go out there and keep up with this teenager stuff," he jokes, highlighting the invigorating and transformative power of the dance.
Cleveland draws a parallel between the captivating power of the drum beat at powwows and its universal appeal, extending even to fans of rock and roll. "A funny thing is we always want to think we’re the only ones," he muses, suggesting that the primal connection to rhythm and sound is a shared human experience.
He further shares that many attendees perceive the drum beat as the very heartbeat of the Earth and its people, a vital life force that sustains all existence. This belief underscores the profound spiritual significance of the drum in Native cultures.
"I’ve heard some people say that if the drumming ceases, then life itself will cease," Cleveland concludes, emphasizing the essential role of music and cultural expression in maintaining the vitality and continuity of Native traditions. The powwow, therefore, is not merely an event; it is a living embodiment of cultural resilience, a testament to the enduring power of community, and a vibrant celebration of life itself. It’s all about Dancing to the Beat – What It All Means.