Articles

Powwows

during the University of Saskatchewan Graduation Powwow at the PAC on the U of S campus in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on Wednesday, June 8 , 2011. Photo Liam Richards for the University of Saskatchewan

Geronimo, Crazy Horse, Chief Joseph

Jesus, I wanna be the poet who writes about the powwows
the first one to describe how the smell of sweetgrass
trails behind the Indian dancer with his long dark hair,
eagle feathers swirling in soft curls on his bustle,
and how the jingles on his feet
laced tightly to fur leggings shake and ring, announcing his presence
as he walks to concessions and orders a pepsi and drinks it in silence,
his war paint unsmudged, his dark eyes heroic.

Powwows are an essential part of Native tradition today. They are one of the many testaments to the fact that we have inherited a living culture which moves and breathes to the rhythm of ancient drums. Many Tribes across the country host inter-tribal powwows each year where dancers from many nations come to share in the community and regality of Native-style dance, and to compete for prize money.Every powwow begins with a Grand Entry, usually held at twelve o’clock, with a second Grand Entry at seven o’clock. The drum beats start slow, as Golden Age dancers from every dance style lead the lines. As younger dancers enter the circle, the beat begins to accelerate. All around, flashy colors, bold designs, and eagle feathers twirl, while the rhythm of the host drum and the rising vocals of practiced singers create an ambience of victory.

Following the Grand Entry, there are competition dances. Male and female dancers have the opportunity to compete with others in their age and division. For male dancers, some of the competition dance styles are traditional, southern, fancy, and grass dance. For female dancers, some of the styles are traditional, southern shawl, fancy shawl, and jingle. Besides the fact that male and female dancers rarely compete with each other, except on teams, men and women are segregated by the fact that only male dancers wear bells. Because of this, female dancers use shiny, twisted Copenhagen can lids which they sew close together to create a shuffling sound which mimics a bell.

But there is more to powwows than dancing. While it is the show of many sovereign peoples displaying national pride through the use of bright regalia and fancy dances that brings spectators to powwow grounds, there are also other attractions that keep them. Merchant booths are lined up all around selling goods, many of which are traditional and Native. Some booths target dancers as customers, selling regalia items which are hard to find other places. Other booths sell delicious food, such as frybread, Indian tacos, homemade stew, or lemonade.

Powwows are an essential component of modern-day Native culture. In some ways, they display the tradition, beauty, respect, and honor of the past. In others, they reflect the ever-changing culture through new dances and songs. And in all ways, they create a sense of community and belonging between many tribes, tongues, and nations.

Special Thanks:
Misty Lynn Ellingburg (Shoalwater Bay) is a student at SeattlePacific University, majoring in English (concentration Literature) and minoring in Professional Writing. She has two brothers and two sisters–Brandt, Shana, Hope, and Hunter. Her mom, Lory, is a Tribal artist, and her dad, Todd, is becoming fluent in Salish, a local Tribal language. Her favorite Native writers are Leslie Marmon Silko, LouiseErdrich, and Sherman Alexie. She even met Mr. Alexie in Seattle at a book reading where she got his autograph and a picture taken together.

Indigi-IWTK: STI/HIV Self Testing Service

Sex 101  Generally speaking, sexual activity is any activity — either alone...

Reclaiming Food Sovereignty

For centuries, Indigenous communities have been disconnected from their traditional food sources...

Seven Generations

Young American Indian men, especially in the Northern Plains, face a greater...

Navigating College as a Young Native Man

Navigating college as a Native man poses unique challenges and opportunities. For...

A Love Note to All My Queer Relations (on Mental Health)

As Indigenous people, we have a rich history of queerness. Indigenous people...

Anatomy: Assigned Sex at Birth (Male)

Colonial Languages Do Not Define My Identity

As a queer, 2-Spirit Indigenous person, I have definitely struggled with my...

Advocating for Yourself at the Doctor’s Office

Doctor’s offices, clinics, and other medical spaces can cause anxiety, fear, and...

Anatomy: Assigned Sex at Birth (Female)

Setting Boundaries with Social Media

Today’s generation is pressured to be what society deems “perfect.” Although you...

Preparing to Attend a Predominantly White University

Getting accepted into college is an impressive achievement and important milestone. However,...

Does Breast Size Really Matter?

How to Prioritize Your Schoolwork

Whether you are in high school, college, or graduate school, time management...

National Loving Day

National Loving Day celebrates interracial marriage and the precedence set for same...

I Strengthen My Nation: Sierra

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in partnership with We R...

How to Get a Job in High School

Do you need to find a job? Are you unsure of where...

How to Accept Change

Sometimes, change can be sudden and difficult to cope with. Other times,...

I Strengthen My Nation: Caitlin

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in partnership with We R...

How to Date Yourself

Dating can be hard, especially if you don’t know what you are...

How to Request Accommodations at School

Accommodations are adjustments that help support people with disabilities. There are many...

Sexual Orientation: A Spectrum Of Attraction

How to Practice Mindfulness

Life is busy From school to sports to work, it often feels...

How to Deal with a Breakup

There is not one way to magically get over a breakup completely...

Sex Assigned at Birth and Gender Identity: What Is The Difference?

Your College Survival Guide

Ahh, college! It’s an exciting time for self-exploration, meeting new people, and...

How to Succeed in Your Career

Career success is important because your career impacts many aspects of your...

Sexual Orientations Explained: Lesbian, Gay, Heterosexual and Bisexual

Indigenous Coming of Age Movies and Shows You NEED to Watch

Coming-of-age movies and shows can help us better understand and navigate the...

18 Things You Should Know How to Do Before You Turn 18

Turning 18 is an important event, marking our transition into adulthood. However,...

Becoming Jane Doe

Alara, an Athabaskan and Tlingit transwoman, found her gender identity through drag....

Self-Advocacy Tips for Youth with Disabilities

Self-advocacy, or speaking up for yourself and your needs, can make your...

Does Size Really Matter?

As a teenager, we’re all consumed with similar worries. From wanting to...

There’s Heart Here

Roller derby champion. Activist. Cyclist. Follow three indigenous members of the Two...

Preparing for Your Driver’s Test

Getting your driver’s license is an exciting and life-changing experience! There is...

How to Help a Friend Who Drank Too Much

Being around a friend who drank too much can be scary, especially...

Saying Yes or No: What Is Consent?

How to Face Your Bully When You Go Back to School

Going back to school after a break, whether summer or Christmas, can...

Establishing Healthy Boundaries with Family

Family relationships can be beautiful but tricky to navigate at times. Learning...

Consent And Communication

Ways to Help a Friend Who is Being Bullied

Bullying is never fun or funny, especially when it’s happening to a...

Stocking Your Pantry: A Guide to Pantry Necessities

Whether you’re new to cooking or just moved into your own place,...

Consent Explained: What Is It?

Financial Aid – Getting Money for College

Going to college can be expensive, but financial aid and scholarships can...

What Does Disability Really Mean?

How Do You Define Disability? “Disability” can mean different things to different...

Top Signs Boys are in Puberty

Heads Up: Sex Must Start with Consent

The idea of having sex can be both exciting and nerve-wracking! You...

How to Swap in Healthier Foods for Junk Food

With our busy schedules, from school to sports to work, it can...

Top Signs Girls are in Puberty

How to Access Free or Low-Cost Birth Control

When it comes to birth control, there are many different options available...

My Abortion Story

Acknowledgment: We R Native would like to thank the author for sharing...

Taking Care of Your Body During Puberty

Tips for Teens with Diabetes

Diabetes can happen to anyone at any age.   Type 1 diabetes (T1D)...

How to Stay Safe from COVID-19

Going to school in person can be super fun. You get to...

Puberty: What Is Doctor Confidentiality?

How to Protect Yourself from the Flu

The fall season is an exciting time! There are fun activities to...

What is Roe v. Wade?

You might have heard about Roe v. Wade being “overturned.” This article...

Accessing Sexual Health Care for Minors

How To Prepare for Your First Date

First dates can be both exciting and nerve-racking, whether it’s your first...

HPV Vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections...

Bodies: Different Shapes and Sizes. All Beautiful!

Real Talk About Sexual Pleasure

Sexual pleasure comes from understanding how your body works and what feels...

Thinking About Having Sex

It’s important that you think through your decision to have sex with...

Does Penis Size Really Matter?

Wait what?! That’s what you do with lube?

A little-known fact is that lube can be a real game-changer when...

Sex 101

People define “sex” in different ways. The dictionary defines it as “sexually...

Menstruation: What To Expect

Oral Sex

Oral sex is using one’s mouth to stimulate a partner’s genitals. Just...

Protecting Yourself During Oral Sex

It is possible to get HIV and other STDs during oral sex...

Period Hygiene: Tampons, Pads and Menstrual Cups

Protecting Yourself During Anal Sex

Anal sex involves inserting one partner’۪s penis into another partner’۪s anus. It...

Protecting Yourself During Vaginal Sex

Vaginal sex happens when a partner’s penis is inserted into another partner’s...

How the Boner Grows

Withdrawal – Pulling Out

Withdrawal is when the man pulls his penis out of the vagina...

The Real Story about Dental Dams

Giving and receiving oral sex can be fun and feel good. But...

All About Getting Your Period

Internal Condom Instructions

***Remember to always check the expiration date and package of any condom...

How to Use an External (Male) Condom

If you choose to have sex, condoms can protect you and your...

Masturbation: Totally Normal

Top 10 Sex Myths

MYTH #10: If I use birth control, I don’t need to worry...

I Don’t Have Health Insurance – Now What?

There are plenty of reasons why you might not have health insurance....

Puberty and Finding Out Who You Are

Take Notes: How to Not Misgender Your New Friend Crush

Understanding Pronouns & Misgendering Misgendering is when you refer to someone using...

Tips for Saving

So, you’re thinking about getting that car you’ve been eyeing, or you...

The Plants of Your Place

How to Stay Safe When Traveling

Whether you’re going somewhere a couple of hours away or outside the...

History of the Sterilization of Native Women

It is no secret that the federal government has tried for centuries...

Culture is Prevention

How to Use Ride Sharing Services Safely

Rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, are good options when walking or...

Getting a Career in STEM

The fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (or STEM) are incredibly...

Culture is Prevention – Sarah

Condom Shopping Guide

Get the facts!

How to Stay Connected with Old Friends

A major part of growing up is experiencing new things in life....

BRAVE: Episode 7

Opening a Bank Account

Are you starting your first job? Going to college soon? Or just...

Safer Chest Compression Brands

New to chest binding or been doing it for years? The retailers...

BRAVE: Episode 6

Chest Binding 101

Chest binding is a way to create a flatter chest using undergarments...

Healthy Habits for Chest Bindings

Whether you’re new to chest binding or have been doing it for...

BRAVE: Episode 5

Establishing Healthy Boundaries with Your Significant Other

Whether you’re at the start of a new relationship or in the...

Why Medical Racism = Genocide

Racism is real. It influences all aspects of our lives, including whose...

Brave: Episode 4

What I Love About My Indigenous Features

As an Indigenous adult, I want to do everything I can to...

How to Study Effectively

When you think of studying, you might feel a sense of dread....

BRAVE: Episode 3

Best Studying Hacks

For many of us studying is on the top of our to-do...

Being a Strong Indigenous Leader

Indigenous leadership is a hot topic these days. The truth is that...

BRAVE: Episode 2

Our Stories Connect Us to Place and People

Indigenous people have always been some of the best storytellers, and recently...

6 Anthems by Queer and Two-Spirit Indigenous Artists to Pump You Up

Music is powerful medicine – especially when it’s coming from people who...

BRAVE: Episode 1

Humor is Sexy (Sometimes)

There are many qualities that can make someone sexy or attractive. Physical...

Real Talk About Getting What You Need From Your Boo

In a healthy relationship, we should be appreciated, listened to, and have...

Sunhawk / Managing Stress

Level Up Your Self-Love Game

We’ve all heard the phrase “love yourself.” But, what does loving yourself...

Environmental Change and Our Mental Health

As Indigenous people, we know that connecting to our land is connecting...

Olivia / Keeping It All Inside

When and How to Quit a Job

If you have a job, you’ve probably dreaded going in at least...

Types of Abortion

Abortion is a safe and effective medical procedure that ends a pregnancy.  ...

Nadira / Reaching Out for Help at College

Tips for Forming Deeper Relationships

Relationships, whether they are romantic or platonic, impact our daily lives.  This...

What I Love About My Body

When I was a teenager there was little to no information about...

Maiya / Dealing with Anxiety Attacks

Who is Deer Woman from Reservation Dogs?

In “Come and Get Your Love” (Season 1, Episode 5) of the...

Staying Balanced in College

Keeping a healthy balance between life, school, and work is what everyone...

Kennedy / Seeing Kindness

Talking to Your Partner About Protection

The thought of talking to a partner about sex makes a lot...

Abstinence

Abstinence means not having sex (that means NO vaginal, oral, or anal...

Kaytlynn / Combatting Stressors

Condoms 101

If you are having sex, condoms are the only method that provides...

Emergency Contraception: The Morning After Pill

Emergency contraception is a special type of oral contraceptive that can be...

Jowun / Self-Care For Me

Dual Method

Many people, who have vagina-penis sex, use dual protection. Dual protection means:...

The Shot – Depo

The Shot, or Depo- Provera®, contains a large dose of a progestin...

Isis / School Stressors

Pill, Patch or Ring

What is it and how does it work to prevent pregnancy? Hormones...

Sponge

The Sponge is a soft plastic (polyurethane) sponge that is worn in...

Aurora / Connection

Fertility Awareness: Rhythm Method

How does it work to prevent pregnancy? A woman identifies the days...

Sterilization

For women sterilization includes a surgical procedure that permanently blocks her fallopian...

Ashley / Self-Care Looks Different For Everyone

6 Tips for Applying for Scholarships

Applying to scholarships for college, graduate school, or even summer programs can...

How Dancing can Teach you to Love your Body

When it comes to our bodies, dancing can provide confidence and a...

#Indigilove Recap Video

Using Culture to Cope with COVID

COVID has brought more than just physical illness to our communities. It’s...

Weird (but normal) Body Facts

Our bodies are amazing and house many secrets! Are you curious to...

Siletz DVPI PSA

6 Questions to Help You Find the Right Birth Control for You

Are you curious about what birth control options are out there? Here...

How to Navigate Health Insurance

Medical visits and procedures, like x-rays, can be expensive. That is why...

MMIWG (Murdered Missing Indigenous Women and Girls)

I’ve heard there might be actual nature spirits portrayed in Pokémon. Is this true?

see answer

Follow Us

Enter Phone Number to Subscribe:

Msg & Data Rates May Apply.
Text STOP to opt out. No purchase necessary.
Expect 4 msgs/mo.Terms and Conditions

Menu