Across a sprawling arena in the heart of Washington, D.C., a vibrant tapestry of cultures unfolded as the 3rd Annual National Pow Wow took center stage (August 10-12). This extraordinary event, a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Native American heritage, drew together men, women, and children representing over 250 distinct American Indian tribes. More than just a spectacle of color and sound, the National Pow Wow served as a potent celebration of indigenous traditions and a heartfelt tribute to the brave American Indian veterans who have served their country with distinction. The National Pow Wow is a biennial gathering, a vibrant convergence where over 500 Native American dancers, resplendent in their traditional regalia, come together to share their unique cultural heritage with the world.
Powwows, deeply rooted in the history of North America’s indigenous peoples, have evolved into a significant social and cultural force since the late 19th century. These gatherings serve as vital platforms for preserving traditions, fostering community bonds, and showcasing the rich artistic expressions of Native American cultures.
The Year-Round Powwow Circuit
Throughout the United States, the rhythm of the powwow circuit resonates every month of the year. These vibrant social events, bringing together American Indians from diverse tribal nations, offer a space for dancing, singing, and the sharing of ancestral traditions. While powwows occur year-round, they reach their peak popularity during the warmer months, from March to September, when communities gather to celebrate their heritage under the open sky.
The National Pow Wow stands out as a prominent event, particularly on the East Coast. Held biennially in Washington, D.C., it draws participants from approximately 250 tribal nations spanning the United States and Canada. This large-scale gathering offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and a powerful display of unity among indigenous communities.
A testament to the dedication and passion surrounding these cultural celebrations, the Northern Plains Dancers, a distinguished group renowned for their performances of traditional and contemporary American Indian dances, journeyed from the Fort Berthold reservation in North Dakota to partake in the third National Pow Wow. Their journey was not merely limited to the arena; prior to joining the main festivities, the group made a significant stop at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), where they presented a captivating performance in the museum’s amphitheater.
The dancers of the Northern Plains shared their insights on the importance of cultural sharing and dispelling negative stereotypes.
"I want to show people that there’s more to us than what they have seen in movies," explained Wylie Bearstail (Hidatsa/Arikara), a skilled grass dancer. Rylan Baker (Hidatsa/Cree), a specialist in the Men’s Fancy Dance, echoed this sentiment, stating, "I hope that [spectators] will get a different perspective on Native Americans. We’re not savages; we’re just like anyone else." Their words reflect the deep-seated desire to bridge cultural divides and foster a more accurate and nuanced understanding of Native American identity.
A Kaleidoscope of Dance Styles
The amphitheater stage transformed into a kaleidoscope of movement and sound as the dancers, accompanied by the resonant voices of singers and the steady beat of drums, entered the space. Their regalia, meticulously crafted and adorned with eagle feathers, intricate fringe, and vibrant beadwork, served as visual narratives of their cultural heritage. Individual dancers then took center stage, showcasing a diverse array of popular dance styles that grace the powwow circuit.
With each step and twirl, the dancers moved in harmony with the rhythmic pulse of the drums. An offstage narrator provided context and meaning, explaining the significance of each dance to the captivated audience. One striking example was the Buffalo Dance, performed by a male dancer adorned in a horned buffalo headdress. This dance serves as a powerful reminder of the reverence that American Indian cultures hold for the animals they traditionally hunted for sustenance. Hunters would offer prayers of gratitude to the animals for sacrificing their lives, acknowledging the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world.
The narrator highlighted the resurgence of buffalo herds, once hunted to near-extinction by white settlers in the American West. Thanks to the conservation efforts of Indian tribes, these majestic creatures are making a comeback, reclaiming their rightful place in their native habitat. "Today, the buffalo has become the symbol of our survival," the narrator declared, emphasizing the enduring spirit of resilience and cultural preservation within Native American communities.
While many powwow dance styles remain faithful to their 19th-century origins, others have evolved into modern-day variations. The Grass Dance, for example, which gained widespread popularity throughout America’s Great Plains region in the late 1800s, experienced a decline in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s but has since undergone a remarkable revival. Performed by male dancers adorned in regalia with yarn fringes representing prairie grass, this dance is believed to be an integral part of a complex healing ceremony, reflecting the deep connection between physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being within Native American traditions.
The Women’s Jingle Dress Dance stands as another testament to the power of dance as a healing ritual. Vanessa Laducer and Lauren Frank (both Arikara/Blackfeet/Cree) graced the stage, demonstrating the intricate steps of this dance, each movement punctuated by the distinctive jingle of metal cones that adorned their dresses. The rhythmic sounds of the jingles are believed to possess healing properties, creating a sense of harmony and balance within the dancer and the surrounding community.
Historically, women were often relegated to the periphery of dance circles in American Indian societies. However, modern powwows have witnessed a significant shift, with women now taking their rightful place in the center, performing their own dances and participating in "couples dances" where they join hands with their male partners. This inclusive approach reflects the evolving roles of women within Native American communities and the growing recognition of their contributions to cultural preservation and expression.
Rylan Baker captivated the audience with his performance of the Eagle Dance. Adorned with a band of eagle feathers on each arm, he gracefully circled the stage, his outstretched arms mimicking the majestic flight of an eagle. According to the narrator, the eagle is revered as a messenger to the spirit world, soaring closer to the heavens than almost any other bird. Through his dance, Baker sought to convey messages to the Great Spirit, bridging the gap between the earthly realm and the spiritual realm.
Rituals and dances associated with warrior honor societies continue to hold a place of significance in modern powwows. However, their focus has expanded to honor not only legendary warriors of the past but also the American Indian soldiers who are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This adaptation reflects the ongoing contributions of Native Americans to the defense of their nation and their unwavering commitment to service.
The Men’s Fancy Dance and Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance represent contemporary dance styles that have achieved immense popularity within the powwow circuit. These dynamic dances showcase the athleticism and grace of the performers. The women are celebrated for the fluidity and elegance of their movements, while the men maintain a rapid pace that demands exceptional stamina and precision. As with all American Indian dances, performers must maintain a keen awareness of the drumbeat, ensuring that they conclude their dance precisely on the final beat.
"I’ve been dancing since I could walk," shared Frank, who performed both the Jingle Dance and Fancy Shawl Dance. "I’ll definitely pass it on to my children." Her words encapsulate the intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge and the enduring commitment to preserving traditions for future generations. The National Pow Wow is an important part of this transmission.
Preserving Traditions for Generations to Come
With the participation of the Northern Plains Dancers and countless others, modern powwows play a vital role in preserving the social traditions that form the bedrock of American Indian identity. In the words of NMAI scholar George P. Horse Capture (A’aninin/Gros Ventre), the powwow is "a living celebration of the Indian people of today" that will continue "with vigor, tradition and change, year after year, as long as there are Indian people in the world." The National Pow Wow stands as a testament to this enduring spirit.
