A pow wow, is a Native American gathering of dance, song, ceremony and family celebrations. Traditionally, it is presented by a tribe or a local family to welcome and honor others. All nations (including non-indian people) are welcome at Pow wows, and we encourage you to attend one, for attending a pow wow is a good way for anyone unfamiliar with Native American culture to gain more understanding about our traditions.
 All Natives and Non-Natives are invited to dance on the intertribal songs,
the MC/Announcer will let everyone know when an intertribal is starting.  
There are two kinds of pow wow's: Traditional and Competition .
The Traditional pow wow focuses more on family ceremonies, giveaways and honorings, while a Competition pow wow is a competition with prize awards for the top dancers in each event.

  
Pow Wow Protocol

A few basic guidlines will help you to feel comfortable knowing what is expected of spectators during a pow wow. If at any time you have a question, you can usually ask pow wow staff(recognisable by printed t-shirts.), the arena director or MC.
 

 Under No Circumstances Is Alcohol Or Drugs Allowed On Pow Wow Grounds.
If you are found at a Pow Wow drunk, or you bring alcohol or drugs with you,
 you will be escorted out by tribal security.

 There is a sheltered area which can either be in the form of an arbor,
or simply a canopy, which designates a resting place for the elders,(non-native seniors also)  Do NOT sit here.
The dancers drummers and singers, also have areas just for them. Take care not to sit in  designated areas, they are easy to spot if you pay attention.
Spectators have pretty much everywhere else. If there are articles of clothing, or other personal belongings in plain sight or a spot on the bleachers that has a blanket on it is already designated, it is impolite to move someone elses blanket.

It is common to see tipis, tents and lodges set up on the grounds. These Are Not Open To The Public. Pow Wow participants live in the tipis during the gathering and they are, in fact, their homes for the duration. Respect their privacy. Tipis and other structures set up for public classes and demonstrations or Vendors will be clearly marked. If a map or guide to the area is offered, why not take one..it makes a good souvioner too.

Once the dance arbor has been smudged with sage (usually done by an elder),it becomes spiritual ground. (The Grass Dancers come next.)
Do not walk across the arena, and don't allow your children to run into the central arbor area(to the washroom etc). You will be chastised by the announcer or other Pow Wow official.
There is no safer place for children to be free spirits than a Pow Wow, However; that should not be a signal for them to run wild and be disrespectful.
 
Please Don't Take Pictures of everything and everybody you feel like...Still Shots Or Video.Protocol for pictures is different depending upon the part of the country you're in, and the customs of the Pow Wow Committee.
   If you see a particular dance you want to photograph, Ask Permission Of The Announcer. . Some dances are sacred, and are never to be photographed.
  If you see a dancer who is beautifully Regaliade, by all means..ask if you may take their picture; (After they leave the arbor). It's always nice to ask to send a copy if they would like one. (follow through if they do) Human kindness and consideration are always long remembered, and deeply appreciated. It will always come back to you in kind.

 If you see videos being taken, and professional looking camera crews, chances are they represent a Native organization which sells Pow Wow videos, or newspaper and magazine photographers who have gotten permission and clearance before the event. Be wise, and be cautious - ask first.
 
A dancer's clothing is Regalia - not a costume - and is a prized possession. Some regalia has been handed down through the generations, and is full sentimental value. When a dancer decides to "come out" in a particular style, this is no small decision, and a "coming out"ceremony for a new dancer is cause for a great celebration. The regalia is handmade, usually by the dancer, or the dancers mother,grandmother and sometimes bought at great expense after being made or beaded by another dancer,every article has special meaning. It takes years to collect the items until the regalia is complete. Do Not Ever Touch A Dancer's Regalia without permission. The regalia is an expression of spirit and ansestry.
 Honor it, the person wearing it, and the living history it represents.
 
You will be asked to stand and remove your hat (unless it has an Eagle Feather attached to it) during special honor songs, Flag songs and ceremonies/prayers.
The MC/Announcer will let everyone know when to do this.
The elderly or those who are unable to stand for physical reasons are the exception.
 
 If you see a dancer drop a feather or regalia DO NOT pick it up for them. Let the dancer know they have dropped an article so they can retrieve it in the correct way. If an Eagle feather is dropped, a whistle is blown and a Veteran or Elder picks up the feather in a special ceremony.
 

Finally, put aside the ideas of what you think an"Indian" should look like. Natives come in all sizes, shapes and colors; just like everybody else. From the milky skinned blue-eyed blond and the green-eyed redhead to dark brown with shining raven hair or black.
Please don't be so insensitive as to ask someone if they are "Indian", "full or half-blood", or "how much Indian are you, anyway"? How would you likt to be asked "how much ??(your nationality) are you, anyway"?

Give-aways
Since the days before the arrival of Europeans, Native American Indians have always had a generosity that is unique among all cultures. Since that time, this generosity has
developed into the giveaway, a ceremony where a person, family or organization is honored and in return gives away many gifts to their friends,the staff and to some of the general public may also be asked to join in at the end of the pow wows.
There are personal giveaways as well as general or end of pow wow giveaways.
The one done for the dancers,drummers,committee members,volunteer etc.
They both begin the same way....
 (personal)With a special song sung by the drum for the particular person or people honored, usually a family song that was composed for that family. The person or people and their friends then slowly dance around the circle,This will usually continue for about one or two songs, when the dance will end and the
people return to their seats. The person or people honored will go to the Emcee's table and have a person speak for them, who tells about the honored party and then announces the names of people whom they in turn would like to show their appreciation to.

It is always customary in a giveaway to always honor the head staff and the drum, and then honor those who have helped you and people in attendance who feel so moved are allowed to  join  the "procession."
 When a person's name or group is called, he or she stands and walks around the arena to the Emcee's table or blankets in the dance arbor and receives/picks a gift.
 All in all, a give away can last fom twenty to forty minutes.