2007 Competition Pow Wow, September 7, 8 and 9

Grand Entries: Friday: 7pm; Saturday: 1pm and 7pm; Sunday: 1pm

                               Host Drum: Buffalo Horse    Emcees: Vince Beyl and Dale Old Horn
                   Arena Director: Royce Kingbird

                               Head Drum Judge: Terry Fiddler     Head Dance Judge: Charles L. Belisle
                    Head Veteran: Paul Cloud

A Pow-Wow is an event where American Indian people gather for dancing, singing, visiting with friends and relatives, renewing old friendships and making new ones. Most important, it is a time to remember and share tradition to preserve centuries-old heritage.

The Indian Summer Pow-Wow is a full competition event. While the purpose is to celebrate the American Indian culture with friends and family, an added element of competition is present as men and women in specific age groups, dance in traditional dance categories for cash awards and great prestige. The emcee explains the significance of the dances as they begin.

The drum is the heartbeat of American Indian Culture, setting the rhythm of the dance and tempo of the song. Two types are used at most Pow-Wows: the traditional drum, which is made by stretching hides over a frame and lacing the hides together with rawhide, and a regular band bass drum, which is a modern influence. Both types are given the utmost respect by all tribes.

Original songs and chants were in the native language of the singer. As different tribes gathered, they would share songs, often changing them so singers of other tribes could join in. With these changes came the use of “vocables�?to replace the words of old songs; so today, some songs are sung in vocables having no words, but they still hold special meaning to those who know the song. Many songs are still sung in native tongue and are either newly composed or revivals of old songs. These songs are a reminder and preservation to the Indian people of their rich heritage.

Dances are a very important part of the life of all American Indian tribes. Many social or special dances are seen at Pow-Wows today. While some dance styles and content have changed, their meaning and importance to American Indians has not.