--Powwow

Labor Day Weekend Powwow Volunteers Needed!

NAICCO needs powwow volunteers for the preparation for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend Powwow.  The Powwow committee is in need of volunteers for Powwow committee, fundraising, sponsorship, flyer distribution, kitchen help, and so much more.  Please contact Mark Welsh at 614-443-6120 or naicco@aol.com or Marianne van Gulijk at mvangulijk@sbcglobal.net  Your contribution would be sincerely appreciated to making NAICCO's powwow's successful and the fellowship will be more meaningful to our Indian community.

 POWWOW

                The mission of the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio is to preserve, protect and promote Native American culture, spirituality and philosophy. In 1975 when the center first opened its doors, meeting the basic needs of the community was the focus of our efforts. It eventually became apparent that something more was needed to create a sense of community, build self esteem and instill pride. There was a need to experience the joy and beauty of being Indian. We needed to break through the negative stereotypes perpetuated throughout the world. We needed to bring the art back into our lives.

Powwow’s have been an integral part of many Native American cultures since the first relocation of Native people to reservation lands. Native American art is traditionally a functional art form; Powwow’s are the greatest expression of Native American Indian art. As well as being a wonderful social occasion; they encompass the values, traditions and spirituality of many native cultures. Participants adorn themselves in their finest and most highly decorated clothing and enter the sacred circle to dance, sing and rejoice in coming together. It is a time to share accomplishments, celebrate special occasions or to remember those who have walked on with feasts, giveaways and traditional honoring songs.

                It is only by educating the non-Indian world and re-educating the Native community that we can hope to preserve, protect and promote all that defines the native peoples of this land. The Powwow provides this opportunity. Powwow’s bring people together to share and learn about native cultures. To develop an appreciation for and an increased knowledge of each other and the diversity that God has bestowed upon us. Listen to the songs and witness the swirl of color around you; feel the healing beat of the drum touch your soul.

Mitakuye Oyasin                                                                                                               _____________________________________________Carol L. Welsh

Powwow Etiquette

· When the Eagle Staff is brought into the circle during Grand Entry (in company with the American Flag) or taken from the circle, it is respectful to stand and remove your hat.
· Pointing with a finger, particularly the index finger, is considered impolite.
· Please do not touch any of the clothing of the dancers. Adornments have special meaning and are cherished and often irreplaceable.  Many are heirlooms and may be delicate. And please remember that ALL feathers are  sacred.
· Random walking, running, or playing in the dance circle is not acceptable.
· No alcoholic beverages or drugs are allowed at the powwow. Violators will be removed from the grounds.
· Taping of songs is allowed only if permission is granted by the head singer of the drum. Even if permission is granted, the Master of Ceremonies may request that specific songs not be recorded at the drum’s request.
· Photographs may only be taken with the permission of the person you wish to photograph. Photographs may never be taken during ceremonies.
· Visitors are welcome to enter the Dance Circle during intertribal, social dancing, or by invitation during honoring songs (All veterans should participate in the Veteran Honoring Songs).
· Seats inside the circle and under the arbor are for dancers and singers only.
· When a blanket is spread on the ground, it is there for a reason, Please do not step on, move or use it for any purpose unless the owner of the blanket gives an invitation.

WHEN AN EAGLE FEATHER FALLS TO THE GROUND

When an eagle feather falls to the ground, the Powwow stops until it has been properly retrieved and returned to its owner, this is an extremely important sacred tradition, perhaps best explained by the following story.

Two hundred years ago on the Great Plains, a war party from one tribe set out against their greatest enemy. Why they went is not important– maybe for horses, maybe for women, maybe to avenge a like raid. In any event, the raid was a success and the raiders had such a lead on pursuing enemy that the enemy leader was about to turn back when he saw an eagle feather that had fallen to the ground, lost by one of the raiders. “If these we pursue are true warriors, they will respect the feather and return to retrieve it. We will set an ambush and wait for them.” Later in the day, the raiders returned, warily searching for the feather. When they found the feather and finished the ceremony of retrieval, the enemy leader sprang the ambush. Captured, tied and blindfolded, the captured warriors began their death song as their fate was inevitable. When they were taken to the village they had raided, however, they were treated as honored and respected guests; they were feasted and given gifts.  “We are the oldest and bitterest of enemies” but we are all taught by the same creator the same meaning of the eagle feather and the same way to honor it, and should respect those teachings always.” The raiders had their wounds tended, were gifted with fresh horses and sent on their way in safety.

The eagle feather is a spirit of a fallen warrior and only distinguished warriors have the right to wear it.  The modern Powwow uses four veterans to retrieve the fallen eagle feather. The ceremony’s purpose is to call the spirit of the fallen warrior back from the spirit world to whence it journeys when the feather falls. When the spirit has properly called it will return, and the warrior will return the feather to its owner.

It is important that one maintain a clean spirit and body free of “bad medicine” at a Powwow, especially in the presence of so many distinguished (eagle feather) warriors. The closest equivalent to a non-native American society would be a Purple Heart, Silver Star, Navy Cross or Congressional Medal of Honor. Even without the attendant spirituality, these honors command our respect both for themselves and for the men and women who wear them. This is why we ask you not to touch and eagle feather and to respect it. The feathers should be respected for what they are—a life.