Grand Entry

The Grand Entry signifies the beginning of the powwow. The dancers enter the arena single file in a clockwise direction following the pattern of the sun. The Eagle Staff and other flag bearers lead the procession and no dancer may enter until those respected leaders have entered. At the center of the arena is the drum. The host drum offers a special song for the Grand Entry procession. Different styles of dance are readily apparent in this opening ceremony, as the dancers enter as groups according to the style of dancing in which they will be competing. The dancers create a circle on the perimeter of the dance arena, representing the sacred circle. After all dancers have entered the arena, the appropriate flag songs are sung. The Flag Song to Indians holds the same regard as the national anthem does to other Americans. We ask that everyone stand and remove their hats in respect for this ceremony.

Drum

The Drum is the most important part of any arena. This includes both the instrument as well as the singers. The Host Drum or Head Drum is placed in the middle of the arena, a place of respect. All other drums are allowed, at the discretion of the Arena Director, to set up around the outside of the dance floor. Without the drum, there can be no pow wow. The Drum is the heartbeat of the People and Mother Earth. Not only does the Drum consist of the instrument, but also it consists of the singers as well. There are two styles of the Drum, the Northern Drum and the Southern Drum. The Northern Drum singers sing at a high pitch. The drumsticks are more thickly' cushioned which muffles the drumbeat so that the higher-pitched singing dominates. The Southern Drum singers sing at a much lower pitch. The drumsticks are less cushioned so that the drumbeat is sharper sounding. You may hear the term "push-ups," this refers to the number of times a song will be sung through. The Drum is not only used at pow wows but, also at weddings, funerals, to honor veterans, for prayer songs and other special occasions. Listen to the beat of the Drum and the beat of your heart as they beat in unison to bring peace and harmony to us all.

What is a Pow wow ?

The Pow wow is a celebration of traditions, which actually began at White Eagle, Oklahoma around 1877. It was a celebration after the removal of the Indian-to-Indian Territory. A celebration of arrival after the hardships of the journey and so many had died along the road to Oklahoma. The word "pow wow" derives from the Algonquin term for a gathering of medicine men and spiritual leaders in a curing ceremony, "pauau" or "pau wau."
Historically, all tribes held ceremonies or get-togethers to celebrate gathering, warfare, song, dance, visit and feast. These ceremonies allowed people to give thanks, honor their deceased relatives, or give special honors, such as name-giving ceremonies and coming-of-age rite. Many times they were held to renew allegiances and maintain friendships with members of visiting tribes.

During the pow wow, wisdom passes from the elders to the children. To Native American people, the elders and children are most important. Both the young, who are just beginning their journey through life, and the elders, who are near the completion of their journey, share closeness to the Creator. To those who have newly arrived and those who will soon leave it, the work is especially beautiful.