Origins of the Native American Pow Wow

The history and origins of large Native American traditional dance gatherings, called pow wows, are not clear cut. The story of the pow wow is a mix of each tribe's separate recollections, and also reflects the turbulent history between the US government and the Native Americans.

The Origin of the Pow wow:

Pow wows probably arose from the Grass Dance ceremonies of the early 1800s, which were events intended for warriors to show off their bravery. However, they may also have come from the ancient war dances held by the Southern Plains tribes. The modern form of the pow wow probably came about due to the rise of reservations in the late 19th century. As Native Americans of one tribe were forced to live in relatively small spaces with other tribes, inter-tribalism became more common.

Pow wows became a way to come together and celebrate Native American heritage at a time when the US government was suppressing many Native American customs. Dance gatherings were one of the few tribal meetings permitted, and the modern pow wow became a place to dance and sing with other tribes. Some historians also think that the modern pow wow came about because the government would sometimes force Native Americans to perform public dances. This view is reinforced by the pow wow tradition of the Grand Entry, which is said to be a version of the way Native Americans were made to march into a town before performing a public pow wow in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Pow wows really took off in the mid-20th century, especially after the occupation of Alcatraz Island by Native Americans from 1969-1970. This was because of the strong sense of Native American identity that prevailed among the tribes in that period. Pow wows were a great way to show Native American solidarity and promote inter-tribal cooperation in the struggle for Native American tribal land rights from the US government.

The term:

The term 'pow wow' most likely comes from an Algonquian word meaning a meeting of spiritual men. However, some think that is an Anglican version of a different word, 'pauwau', which referred to a tribal council. `first used in Oklahoma around the turn of the 20th century, the term slowly spread throughout the native tribes. It was also sometimes mistakenly applied by outsiders to any Native American gathering.

Pow wow is also the term given to the canopy that shelters a collective of people. The canopy could be used for a traditional Native American pow wow, or for an outdoor classroom.

The custom today:

Pow wows today are big events where Native Americans gather to see friends, perform traditional dances, wear traditional costumes, and play sacred drums while singing the songs of each tribe represented. They are also used to introduce other people to Native American customs. They are large and friendly events that hum with activity, and are usually annual occurrences.