Why are powwows important

After the Second World War , many returning Indigenous veterans demanded freedom of religion and the right to practice traditional ceremonies. Indigenous communities also became more vocal about their marginal position in society throughout the s. Although the Joint Commission recommended continuing a policy of assimilation for Indigenous peoples, it also suggested reducing the overt oppression contained in the Indian Act.

The result was another amendment to the Act in that allowed First Nations to continue their traditional ceremonies, including powwows, without interference by federal agents.

However, some Indigenous peoples argued that the amendment came too late. By the s, years of assimilationist policies and institutions — including residential schools — significantly curtailed and outright restricted the ceremonial life of First Nations. Some First Nations children were ashamed to participate in powwows, while some elders were too frightened, still fearing possible consequences from the federal government.

As a result, several traditions and ceremonies were lost or altered. However, powwows endured, and only became stronger in the decades to come.

In light of Indigenous rights movements and efforts to reclaim Indigenous culture in the s, the powwow tradition entered an era of resurgence. Indeed, during the s, powwows became extremely popular summer events at reserves.

Some less-financially stable First Nations relied on assistance from the broader Indigenous community, and, in some cases, even from certain non-Indigenous peoples, to host powwows at venues outside the reserve. Cross-cultural exchanges at powwows allowed for people from different Indigenous and ethnic backgrounds to come together in a celebration of song and dance.

The modern powwow was born. Contemporary powwows can be private, intra-national events, where only members of a particular First Nations community are invited, or they can be public gatherings where anyone and everyone is invited.

Modern powwows can also be defined as traditional or competitive. Traditional powwows are held in local communities, and do not have dance and drum group competitions. Competitive powwows have dance categories for women, men and children.

Dancers are judged based on their footwork and regalia. Individuals who score the highest in their category receive awards or cash prizes see Powwow Dances. Modern powwows also provide food, craft and clothing vendors with the opportunity to sell and share their handiwork with the community. Many of these professional craftspeople, dancers, musicians and singers earn a living from the contest powwows.

From the s to the present, powwows have stood as a testament against assimilationist polices and institutions. Powwow dancers and musicians who refused to abandon their cultural traditions resisted colonial and racially discriminatory legislation, both on and off reserves. Today, powwows are a place where both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples can come together in peace to celebrate tradition and promote an enduring culture.

In fact, at powwows that feature competitive dancing, there are categories that are only for kids. Photo by Provincial Archives of Alberta. The modern powwow began in the late 19th century and has been growing in popularity since the s.

Powwows are held on reserves and in cities all over Canada. Attending a powwow is a great way to learn about traditional and modern Aboriginal life and culture. A group of grass dancers. Photo credit: Smithsonian Institution on VisualHunt. There are two main types of powwows — competitive and traditional. At competitive powwows, dancers and musicians compete for prizes.

Both types of powwows celebrate the traditions of Indigenous people. Today, powwows usually start with a Grand Entry, which is like a parade. The most important people — or dignitaries — come first, carrying flags from Canada and the hosting First Nations and various other flags. Throughout Native American history , social events like these often took place once a year. It was an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and to catch up with those who had become part of another tribe.

It was also an occasion for enemies to put aside their differences and come together in a moment of truce. Today, the powwow is a place to meet together and join in traditional Native dance and song. It is a time to visit with friends, renew old acquaintances, and make new ones. For many Native Americans struggling to live in the contemporary world and still remain true to their heritage, a powwow is a demonstrative symbol, exemplifying the strength and vitality of their legacy.

We are determined to cultivate Native American culture and values. We believe in seeing this generation of Native youth empowered to seize a future of hope and opportunity through programs that protect at-risk youth, as well as promote education and cultural heritage.