The Dance

INDIGENOUS INSTITUTE of the AMERICAS

INSTITUTO INDIGENA de las AMERICAS

The Dance - For Indigenous people, it is our way to pray, to communicate with the elements, and  to express our culture.  There are many dances/ceremonies Indigenous way from Pow Wows, to the Stomp Dance, to the Gourd Dance, and to the Aztec Dance .  Our pow wow's are often inter-tribal and open to the general public, but some are tribal and closed to non-tribal members.  Most pow wow's are free.  There are the big ones such as Red Earth, Gathering of the Nations and The Denver March which charge admission fees to cover the cost of renting facilities such as colisuems and paying contest awards. 

The Drum - At all powwows, all activity begins and ends with the drumbeat. The drum itself is made from a hollowed tree trunk. Hides are stretched over the top and bottom and tied with wet leather then dried. When a drum is constructed, it's made with sweat and prayers.

The Flag - Each Pow Wow begins with a Grand Entry.  Leading the Grand Entry are the flag bearers carrying the American Flag, Traditional Eagle Staff (Native Flag), and the flags of other participating nations.   Most times it is the color/honor guards who bring in the flags.  If they are not available, the veterans or elders are asked to bring them in.