Powwow

It is likely that this word comes from the algonquino term pauau, which means gathering people. Americans of European descent use it without exception to refer to any social meeting or event where important topics are discussed.

However, for the Indians, powwow refers to a numerous and traditional, secular, tribal or intertribal encounter, which includes singing, dancing, gift-sharing and tribute ceremonies. They are excellent public manifestations of Indian identity. Although they are sometimes accessible to the entire population, most of the time they focus on the natives themselves. Inter-tribal powwows are obviously more numerous than tribal ones, but regardless of their size, they are an important means of transmission of Indian traditions.

Indians travel a powwow path or circuit through the territory from late spring to early autumn with the aim of participating in powwows within tribes. Pan-Indian encounters enable tribal members to establish relationships with other Aboriginal groups, making them a demonstration of solidarity among Native Americans and a profound expression of Indian culture.

The powwow, which normally takes place in a central or "emparated" space, begins with an entry from the top. Military veterans generally lead the opening parade, carrying out the flag ceremony and pronouncing a brief invocation. War dances and other types, such as round, grass and rabbit dances, often follow them. Many of these dances have a very specific internal tribal purpose. The Powwow dancers slide with great elegance and the constant sound of the drum directs their movements. They are embellished with mantles, clothes decorated with counts, polysons and touched complexes. Dance competitions are one of the many powwows. Since dancers and drummers receive significant amounts of money, contestants often travel long distances to participate.

The gift-sharing ceremony is another significant moment in the powwow, in which a person or family delivers gifts to another person, which can be as complex as hand-made "star" edredons by the sioux or as simple as kitchen utensils. This ceremony serves as a way of honouring those members of the community who have been distinguished for some reason, such as university graduates, members of military personnel and community leaders. In addition, they often honor those who have helped a family in difficult times, such as during the mourning. Between a dance and another, the gifts are distributed during the afternoon. Ceremonial master Powwow explains the motives for the gift, as well as the identity of donors and recipients, and proposes an honorary dance. The dance program continues after the participants give each other a hand.

Social exchanges are as important as dances in Powwow. They help Indians from different tribes renew old friendships and share a banquet serving traditional indigenous foods such as bison, veal, cornweed and fried bread. Indians often make political prayers and speeches, and occasionally take the opportunity to earn more money by selling handicrafts.