Powwows Sincere thanks and acknowledgment to the American Indian Education Committee of the Minnesota State Board of Education who sponsored those who wrote the Ojibwe content of this unit. Pictures were taken at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Powwow 2001 A Traditional Powwow is a planned social event and gathering of American Indians. It is a celebration to mark the end of a season and welcome the beginning of a new one. It is a time and place to thank the Great Spirit for the good events and happenings of the past season and to ask a continuance of these in the next. The four seasons provide four opportunities to gather for feasting, dancing, drumming and singing. A good time being enjoyed by all. It's a time and place to meet old friends and make new friends. The circle being a very important symbol to American Indians, the Powwow itself is set up so that everything is a circle, a sacred circle. The drums are the heartbeat in the center of the circle. The dancers and audience form a circle around them. The concessions and camping area form yet another circle around the gathering. The Powwow brings the circle of the people closer together, closer to their family, friends and their American Indian culture. When you enter this circle, any thoughts of ill will, any animosities, or jealousy toward your fellow man must be purged from your mind. The sacred circle must not be tainted. The Powwow is the place where awards and recognitions are given to those so deserving. The awarding of an Eagle feather to a person was and still is the most prestigious ceremony. To receive an Eagle feather in the old days was equivalent to receiving the Medal of Honor from this country today. To be the recipient of a white eagle feather meant that you were a leader and warrior extraordinaire in the Ojibwe tribe. Today those meanings are still in force. Show the proper respect for the wearers of Eagle feathers. A traditional Powwow is the place for gift giving and receiving, singing honor songs and showing respect and assisting those elders in attendance. It is also the place to wear that new dance outfit and dance your style around the dance circle. It is the place where Eagles can be seen circling the festivities; where no drugs, alcohol or any kind of violence can be seen; where healing of all kinds can take place in the dance ring; where you can pray while dancing; where you can learn of coming events; where respect for the dancers' outfits is shown; where you can ask questions about your culture and traditions. And again it is the place where you can make arrangements for name-giving ceremonies. Powwow time gives us a chance to celebrate our rich heritage and reflect on who we are as American Indians.

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