How to Attend a Powwow with Respect
Attending a powwow can be a very meaningful endeavor. Here are five tips to help you prepare.
Powwows are sacred events that signify the unity of the different Tribes throughout North America. Utah is home to approximately 60,000 Native Americans, representing more than 50 Tribal Nations, with eight being federally-recognized. These Tribes are Northwestern Band of Shoshone Nation, Confederated Tribes of Goshute, Skull Valley Band of Goshute, Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah and Navajo Nation. Each of these Tribes have different practices, but they come together under the same spiritual principles. Powwows give us, as Native people, the opportunity to preserve our culture and share it with anyone who attends. (Read: A Navajo Artist Finds Her Beat and Shares It)
"Powwows are about giving to the community, because others have given to you. They are less about the things you take away."
– Al Groves, Northern Ute and Hopi quill and beadwork artist
Native American culture suggests that the bonds between people are connected by the respect and practice of the arts.
Countless generations of Native Americans have called the landscapes of Utah home.
It is important for me to address that I do not speak for all Natives and that all these thoughts are from the perspective of how I have been taught by Native family, friends and community members. As a young Native growing in the culture, I take guidance from my mentors and elders in the community to share their wisdom and knowledge.
For non-Native visitors seeking to experience Native culture, attending a powwow can be a meaningful endeavor. However, it's important to approach these events with respect and cultural sensitivity. Many powwows are indeed open to the public, but it's crucial to always check the Tribe's website or other official sources to confirm before attending. Here are five tips to help you prepare:
1. Keep Your Ears and Eyes Open
Almost all powwows feature an emcee or master of ceremonies. It is the job of this person to guide the proceedings, make announcements and keep the powwow on schedule. You’ll also notice the arena director will be actively moving around, directing dancers of all ages and styles to prepare for their competitions. Each dance carries a unique significance and meaning, playing a vital role in the powwow. The drumbeat symbolizes the heartbeat of Mother Earth, uniting everyone in a celebration of life. Take note of the different animals the dancers' movements mimic and the meaningful pelts and feathers they wear.
At certain moments during the powwow, there will be periods of silence and respect. During these times, it is customary to stand and remove hats to pay tribute to fallen community members or during the grand entry.
Attending a powwow can beautifully accentuate and illuminate cultural intricacies and traditions.
Photo: Samuel Jake
2. Support Native Artists
Native cultures boast a rich tapestry of artistic styles, and powwows offer a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse practices of various Tribes. Numerous vendors showcase unique, handmade Native pieces, including jewelry, bags, t-shirts, paintings, weavings and more. Many art pieces carry special meanings, such as silver and turquoise, which symbolize protection and health. Your support of these Native artists contributes to the preservation of their cultural heritage and empowers them to continue sharing their traditions. (Read: Art Keeps the Native American Culture Alive)
3. Ask Permission
Native people dedicate countless hours preparing for powwows, infusing their identity into their artistic creations and dancing regalia. When a dancer is fully prepared or performing, taking photos is generally welcomed. However, if you intend to post the photos on social media or share them in other formats, it's important to ask the dancer's permission first. Additionally, while you may admire the intricate details and symbolism of regalia, never touch it without permission.
Please also be respectful and avoid following dancers around, as this can make them feel uncomfortable.
The details of regalia dress are symbolic of one's connection with ancestors and the land they call home.
These traditional outfits are made by hand, often by the very people who wear them or by their family members.
4. Connect With the Community
The best way to truly connect with the community is to approach them with a genuine interest in learning and a desire to be a friend and ally. Many tribal members will be happy to chat and share more about their culture. However, it's important to do your own research before attending a powwow to familiarize yourself with general information. For example, try learning a bit about the hosting Tribe's history, traditions and any specific customs related to their powwows. This sort of preparedness will allow you to initiate more engaged conversations. (Read: Get to Know Utah's Tribes)
5. Appreciate the Cultural Legacy
For first-time powwow attendees, it's quite a privilege to witness the passing down of cultural traditions. The youth, or "Tiny Tots," learn from their parents, who in turn learned from the elders. This custom is on full display at the beginning of the powwow, called the "Grand Entry," where all the dancers gather in the arena. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot for this powerful procession and experience the strength of the community coming together.
The Paiute Restoration Powwow is held annually in Cedar City and is open to everyone willing to attend with respect.
This event celebrates the tribe's regained federal recognition in 1980.
Powwows demonstrate the powerful bonds of community that have kept and will continue to keep cultural traditions alive for generations.
“Powwows are about giving to the community, because others have given to you. They are less about the things you take away,” says Al Groves, Northern Ute and Hopi quill and beadwork artist.
Our culture is about participation and involvement. To truly understand the importance of our culture and events, one should offer something of themself to the community. It is a full circle effect of symbiotic relationships and reciprocity. See how you can offer value by attending an event mentioned below and by following these guidelines.
01
Following the Markings of Native American History
A road trip is a great way to explore markings of ancient native history — in addition to seeing some of the most amazing scenery in the country.
02
Native Spirit
Countless generations of Native Americans have called the landscapes of Utah home, from the hunter-gatherers of the prehistoric era to the more than 50 Native Nations currently in Utah.
Highlights
- Nine Mile Canyon
- Indian Creek Corridor Scenic Byway
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Navajo Fry Bread
03
Phoenix to Monument Valley: Exploring Utah's Historic Sites
Share the same reverence for the landscape as the first prehistoric inhabitants and the modern-day Native Nations as you embark on this six-day road trip to the Monument Valley region.
Highlights
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
- Newspaper Rock
- Bluff Fort Historic Site
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Lower Calf Creek Falls
- Anasazi State Park Museum
- Bryce Canyon National Park
04
History & Hoodoos
Just the national parks, ma'am. We get it. You're a bucket-lister with a checklist and a pen. We hope it has a lot of ink.
Highlights
- The Mighty 5® national parks
- All-American Road Scenic Byway 12
- Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
- Dead Horse Point State Park
05
Winter Aglow in Southeastern Utah
Find your sense of adventure and awe in the vast yet intricate swaths of desert from Arches National Park to Monument Valley. From delicate river-fed ecosystems to crimson-hued rock buttresses, this magical landscape is awash in history, dating back thousands of years to the original Native American settlers to whom these places were sacred.
Highlights
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Castle Valley
- Bears Ears National Monument
- Goosenecks State Park
Read the Stories
-
Art Keeps the Native American Culture Alive
Utah artist Al Groves launches a new art collective as he works to keep indigenous traditions alive.
-
Touring Utah with the State’s Most Well Known Women Writers
The diversity and beauty found in Utah has often been captured by women. Here are the places that seven of Utah’s most well known women writers knew and loved most.
-
Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
-
Wintertime Storytelling With Shoshone Tribal Elders
We’re shining a spotlight on elders from the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation who keep tribal history alive through the stories traditionally told and retold in winter months.
-
How to Visit Rock Imagery Sites Like an Archaeologist
There are untold thousands of rock imagery sites across Utah, and hundreds of thousands of archaeological sites of every stripe. Learn how to explore these sites with the respect and deference they deserve.
-
Great Salt Lake Needs Your Visit
While you visit this mysterious natural wonder, you can also help save it.
-
Hike Among Traces of the Ancients at the Mysterious Parowan Gap
See an impressive number of panels covered in petroglyphs. Some people believe that the Gap was considered a special place at certain times.
-
A Navajo Artist Finds Her Beat and Shares It
Rhonda "Honey" Duvall is a leader in Salt Lake City’s Navajo community, elevating the presence of indigenous culture through music and dance.
-
Exploring Mule Canyon: House on Fire and Cave Tower
Driving the up the dusty, terracotta-colored road toward Mule Canyon in Cedar Mesa, you get a sense that this is a special place, though you might not be able to put a finger on why.
-
Exploring the Native American Village at This Is The Place Heritage Park
This Salt Lake City cultural spot offers visitors a chance to experience the deep history of Native traditions.
-
The Petroglyphs of Comb Ridge
Comb Ridge in Southeastern Utah offers dramatic galleries of ancient petroglyphs engraved on sandstone cliffs by Ancestral Puebloan artists over 1,000 years ago. Learn more about Comb Ridge and its unique rock art sites, including the famed Procession Panel.
-
Historical Sites in Utah
Explore Utah's fascinating past with our guide to historical sites and hidden gems. Uncover pioneer and indigenous stories at these Utah heritage hot spots.
-
Hoop by Hoop with Patrick Willie
A Navajo storyteller found his purpose in hoop dancing. Now he’s using his platform to amplify the Native voices of a younger generation.
-
The Voices of Bears Ears
Bears Ears National Monument is at the heart of southeastern Utah. These lands are imbued with layers of culture — layers of life. In this four-part video series, meet the locals who connect with the land in their own distinct ways.
-
Why Your Kids Need a Utah Trip
Discover where adventure and learning converge across iconic rivers and ancient canyons.
-
Nourished by the Land: A Shoshone Perspective
Darren Parry learned from his grandmother about the plants, places and worldview that sustained their Shoshone ancestors.
-
The 46 Miles of Nine Mile Canyon
Follow Nine Mile Canyon Road into the rugged and remote Book Cliffs, where messages from the ancients interface with settlers of the West and modern ways of thinking.
-
San Juan and the Trail of the Ancients
At almost 8,000 square miles, San Juan is Utah's largest county, nearly the size of New Jersey. Between the Needles district of Canyonlands and Four Corners there are vast lands of incredible wilderness, national forest, the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and beautiful rivers and...
-
Ancient Pictographs, Petroglyphs and Timeless Mysteries
Exploring Horseshoe Canyon isn’t for everyone. First of all, the effort to get there is an adventure in itself, but those efforts make the reward — namely, the chance to see up close some of the most significant pictograph panels in North America — even more noteworthy.
-
The Navajo Basketmakers
Meet the Navajo artists behind this labor intensive and traditional practice.
-
The History of River House (and How to Experience It Today)
Looking for items to add to your Bears Ears Monument itinerary? Explore the history of the River House Ruin site here and see it for yourself. Visit Utah.
-
Spirits in the Rock
Spectacular pictograph panels, ingenious cliff-hanging architecture and the mysteries of Range Creek Canyon’s first inhabitants, the Fremont.
-
Navajo: Fry Bread, Tacos, Pizza
Despite its troubling origins, Navajo fry bread is an inspired food of the nation’s people, and it can be found in many forms with various names around the southwest.
-
Meet the Fremonts: Unearthing an Ancient Civilization
Did you know that interstate highway construction created Fremont Indian State Park? Visit the park and Museum for a peek into Utah’s past, plus hiking and ATV trails.
-
Insider's Guide to Hiking Rainbow Bridge National Monument
From choosing the best season and trail, to understanding logistics and history, here's what you need to know to hike Utah's Rainbow Bridge National Monument located off the south coast of Lake Powell.
