What is a powwow?
Pow-Wow time is the Native American peoples way of meeting together, to join in dancing, signing, and visiting renewing old friendships and make new one. This is a time to renew thought of the old ways and to preserve a rich heritage. There are several different stories of how the Pow-Wow was started. Some believe that the war dance societies of the Ponca and other Southern Plains tribes were the origin of the Pow-Wow. Another belief is that when the Native Americans were forced onto reservations the government also forced them to have dances for the public to come and see. Before each dance they were lead through the town in a parade, which is the beginning of the Grand Entry. Pow-Wow Signers are very important figures in the Native American culture. Without them there would be no dancing. The songs are of many varieties, from religion to war to social. As various tribes gathered together, they would share their sings, often changing the songs so signers of different tribes could join
