Grand Entry (our church).

Grand Entry

The Circle is the oldest symbol of the world.

Back before first contact we the American Natives from the Eastern woodland tribes had what we called a PAW-PAUS (church).

Because of first contact (threats of assimilation) and the lack of non native understanding our
ancestors changed the gathering and the name to Pow-Wow (meaning the wicked ones) which now allowed non natives into the circle!

Understand that Eastern woodland American natives wish for the same respect when it involves our Grand entry, and a precious few other dances?

No traditional elder wishes to be mean we have explained that most of our people attending this entry do so with many sacred medicines and or possessions some believe should
NOT  be recorded!

Please come and enjoy a traditional american gathering we, the elders, would love to teach and guide you through-out and will ever enjoy a dance or two with you.

To some native peoples of northeastern North America, a 'powwow' was originally a man with special abilities to cure or offer advice from the spirit world, a wizard, witch, and magician as explained earlier. Now everyone is welcome at Powwows!

At times there is an entry fee or donation to help pay for the drum, electricity, insurance and so on and you will often find a wide variety of American native crafts, trade goods and food for sale; even demonstrations and storytelling as well, most tribes are very poor.

It's a great place for your entire family to spend the day.

Drugs and alcohol are not permitted; pets must be on a leash at all times, like at a Paw-paus some powwows invite pets into a circle because Grandfather (Creator) is Creator of all!

The spiritual center or heart of a Powwow is THE CIRCLE; a place to be respected and honored, it is a sacred place that is blessed BY CREATOR through a spiritual leader.

The circle is entered only from the East (the opening) and dancers travel in the same direction as the sun.

The singing is a gift and prayer to the Creator; and the drum is the heartbeat of our People. The singers and drummers together are called THE DRUM.

Ceremonies start with a "Grand Entry" of the dancers to pay respects to our Creator and to greet one another. Honoring songs, and dances for veterans and our ancestors and a prayer follows. You will be asked to stand and remove your hat for these ceremonies if you can.

Please don't take photos or videos if you're asked not to do so; and please don't touch the clothing (Regalia) or personal belongings of anyone in American native dress.

Much of what is worn is sacred, expensive and irreplaceable, but do feel free to ask if you want to take individual pictures, or if you have a question about a particular item that someone is wearing.

Most traditional Native People will be pleased to assist you if they're asked first.

You will see many types of dances at a Powwow. When you hear a 'Round Dance' or sometimes it is called a friendship dance announced, EVERYONE will be invited to

participate, so proceed to the East of the circle and join in.

A Round (Friendship) dance is easy to learn and fun to do. AHO!