It needs to be clear up front,
this is a Dance circle, the Arena is for a Circus! However, many new gatherings
do turn out to be a joke, circus, and/or carnival!
This area is blessed by Creator
before the dance and must remain pure throughout the Ceremony.
There is a single entrance to the
circle always facing ‘East’
You should not enter the area
unless invited, and this is the only entrance that should be used to enter.
This invisible boundary should not
be broken at anytime by any one.
Head Veteran/’Gatekeeper’.
The word (gatekeeper) is used in
this posting only as a helper for your understanding while at a Gathering, powwow
is an evil spirit.
The main entrance to a circle at
the east is maintained by the Head Veteran or a helper to answer questions and
a help in protecting the dignity and use of this circle, a gatekeeper is used
in many, other then, native functions!
This person runs the circle to the
rules of the tribal nation and Creator as set up before the start of this
gathering!
Regalia – attire worn by dancers–
NOT a costume.
The development of a dancer’s
regalia is a very personal process. Often items have taken years to create or
may be gifts and have deep meaning.
Master of Ceremonies MC)
officiates over Ceremony proceedings.
Guide to the events – pay
attention to his announcements.
The Drum – Is the heartbeat of
Mother Earth.
The drum acts as an agent to bring
harmony and balance to participants and to spectators. The drum acts as an
intercessor to the spiritual realm, Ancestors/Creator.
Grand Entry – opening processional
of officials and dancers.
Head Man Dancer – lead dancer. He (Native
man) will begin and guide the other dancers through the dance.
Head Woman Dancer – lead dancer.
She (Native women) will begin and guide the other dancers through the dance.
Intertribal Dance – social dance;
Open to visitors to come join the dancers in celebration.
Bring your own seating, chairs and
benches around the arena are reserved for dancers, seats with blankets or other
personal items are taken.
Items left at seats are not to be
touched. This is a gathering of family there should be no need to guard
belongings from each other.
Dress appropriately. This is as a
church please dress accordingly halter tops and short shorts are not
appropriate for this celebration.
Pictures may be taken with the
permission of the dancers. However, never during dedication dances as in the
Grant entry, Honor songs, Veterans Songs, Flag Songs, and Prayers.
These special songs will be
announced by the MC.
NO drugs or alcohol permitted at
any time for any reason. Exception, medicine with prescription bottle.
Supervise your children so that
all may enjoy the event without distraction.
Animals some gatherings do not
allow them and so should not be brought to the event please ask beforehand.
Do not litter! Respect our ways.
Do not touch a dancer’s regalia.
These items are made with great care and are often gifts to the dancers from
friends and family. They have deep significance and should be respected.
If something falls, leave it.
Inform the individual that they have dropped something, and they will go
through the proper procedures to retrieve it.
If invited to dance, please do. If
not invited do not go.
It is disrespectful to decline, do
not worry about not knowing how the person who invited you will teach you.
Listen to the MC always for
guidance. He or she will let you know when you need to stand and when you may
sit after honor songs.
They will also announce
intertribal dances and other invitations for our guests to participate.
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