Any Indigenous Gatherings Will Apply With The Above Rules - Tumblr Posts
@tree-on-the-hill using this as a chance to talk about powwow etiquette in general, hopefully some of this is helpful!
so big things i think of of the top of my head that may or may not be obvious:
during grand entry (especially flag songs/indian national anthem) if you can stand, stand up. if you are wearing a hat or a non religious head covering remove it if possible during grand entry
do not cross or enter the arbor after it has been blessed. the arbor is the clear area where people will be dancing. the only time to enter the arbor is during time when guests are invited (intertribal, some honoring songs, giveaways) usually this is announced by the MC
honor the protocol of whoever’s land you are on, I have lived on salish and the plateau tribes land most of my life so i am not the best guide on this specifically.
at a lot of native events people will save there spot by putting down a blanket(or shawl), so if you see a blanket with no person around it likely belongs to someone who is either dancing or getting food, give it the same space you would if the person it belongs to was there.
seats nearest the dancing circle are reserved for dancers + their families with or without blankets.
what the dancers wear is REGALIA not costumes
do not take photos of the dancers when they aren’t dancing without permission. photos or videos should not be taken during veterans songs, flag songs, honoring songs, prayer songs, dancer initiation, or any time announced by the MC.
if you find a lost feather DO NOT TOUCH!! find someone working the event or head man or head woman dancer, or notify someone at the MC booth immediately. additionally dont touch any regalia or dancers. also probably obvious but something ive seen visitors do.
trying to keep your thoughts as positive as possible especially when you are at powwow is a great extra step, a lot of nations (including mine) have beliefs where the energy of how you feel and think can be passed to others through your physical energy, especially thru contact with hands.
no alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, vaping.
in general be respectful and kind, elders are viewed as very important in most native nations, so things like making sure you arent cutting off an elder are important but also seem like general life rules to me.
luckily a lot of MCs tend to announce a lot of these but its good to know what to expect.