While Indian tribes first became well distinguished during the civil war, most have become better known since that time. As the cultural and historical aspects of Native Americans are not generally taught in public schools, most individuals learn about this history through various events such as annual gatherings held by different tribes. While Native american pow wows are quite popular, there are several tribes whom have claimed to have hosted the first pow wow.
Public dances were often the primary aspects of the first pow wows which resemble gatherings now taking place. These events were a common practice in the Great Plains area of the United States, with most gatherings taking place during the late 19th and early 20th century. It was a challenging time for the tribes as the United States had torn apart many Native American communities in hopes of acquiring land for capitalist and economic exploitation.
The United States also passed laws which limited how and when tribes could celebrate. Regardless of the law, a number of tribes continued to gather in secret to celebrate the cultural aspects so important to tribal history and tradition. As a result, new pow wows began to take place in the Great Lakes and other regions of the country.
Planning and organizing this type of event often begins several months up to a year before an event. In most cases, a organizational and planning committee consist of tribal leaders. Whereas, sponsors often include Native American clubs, communities, organizations and Native American Studies programs at different colleges and universities.
Committees often consist of several individuals whom pre-plan the event in entirety. After which, the committee then begins to organize different aspects of the pow-wow. Most importantly, the committee is responsible for hiring staff, securing a location, recruiting vendors, organizing volunteers and publicizing the event.
Staff members run the day to day operations of the event and work alongside volunteers. Individuals hired as staff members are often hired months in advance in order to train and learn about different assignments. Whereas, volunteers are often placed in different areas upon arrival at the event.
Most of these events have an arena director in charge of all aspects of the event, along with performers, staff and volunteers. While some events also have an assistant, or whip man, not all pow wows choose to hire an individual in this capacity. Rather, the arena director takes on the role of director and assistant. In most cases, the job of an assistant is to oversee ceremonies, performances, workshops and other aspects of the gathering to assure all go as planned.
In the case of gatherings which host contests, most of the events have someone other than the arena director act as the primary judge. Whereas, the arena director is in charge of organizing any ceremonies such as eagle feather dropping, marriage ceremonies, rites of passage and others.
Public dances were often the primary aspects of the first pow wows which resemble gatherings now taking place. These events were a common practice in the Great Plains area of the United States, with most gatherings taking place during the late 19th and early 20th century. It was a challenging time for the tribes as the United States had torn apart many Native American communities in hopes of acquiring land for capitalist and economic exploitation.
The United States also passed laws which limited how and when tribes could celebrate. Regardless of the law, a number of tribes continued to gather in secret to celebrate the cultural aspects so important to tribal history and tradition. As a result, new pow wows began to take place in the Great Lakes and other regions of the country.
Planning and organizing this type of event often begins several months up to a year before an event. In most cases, a organizational and planning committee consist of tribal leaders. Whereas, sponsors often include Native American clubs, communities, organizations and Native American Studies programs at different colleges and universities.
Committees often consist of several individuals whom pre-plan the event in entirety. After which, the committee then begins to organize different aspects of the pow-wow. Most importantly, the committee is responsible for hiring staff, securing a location, recruiting vendors, organizing volunteers and publicizing the event.
Staff members run the day to day operations of the event and work alongside volunteers. Individuals hired as staff members are often hired months in advance in order to train and learn about different assignments. Whereas, volunteers are often placed in different areas upon arrival at the event.
Most of these events have an arena director in charge of all aspects of the event, along with performers, staff and volunteers. While some events also have an assistant, or whip man, not all pow wows choose to hire an individual in this capacity. Rather, the arena director takes on the role of director and assistant. In most cases, the job of an assistant is to oversee ceremonies, performances, workshops and other aspects of the gathering to assure all go as planned.
In the case of gatherings which host contests, most of the events have someone other than the arena director act as the primary judge. Whereas, the arena director is in charge of organizing any ceremonies such as eagle feather dropping, marriage ceremonies, rites of passage and others.
About the Author:
Check out the official website of the highly acclaimed musicians, the Native American Pow Wows, by referring to this web page at http://www.thunderingspiritfamily.com/performers.
