"The Pow Wow Trail" by Julia White
Answers to Common Questions
There are some pretty wild ideas out there on Pow Wows and what
they are. Some answers to common questions are:
- Yes - Pow Wows are open to the public.
- Yes - Women and children are welcome.
- No - It is not scary.
- No - There is no violence.
- No - There are no sacrifices or bloodletting!
- No - There are no drunken "Indians whooping it up".
With the growing popularity of Pow Wows, many communities are
getting involved by hosting major events which last as long as a week.
Some of these celebrations include:
- Rodeos featuring Native contestants. There is a "Navajo Nation
Rodeo Cowboys' Association", an "All-Indian Rodeo Cowboys' Association",
and an "All Indian Rodeo Association of Oklahoma", among others.
- Mountain Man camps featuring demonstrations of blacksmithing,
carpentry, tool making, gunsmithing and other skills of the 18th and
19th centuries. The men and women who take part in these exhibits dress
in authentic clothing of the era they are portraying. It's quite an
educational step backward in time; especially for children of all ages.
- Competitions and games which include Native-style horse racing,
stickball, la crosse, foot races, bow and arrow competitions, and other
ancient fun events.
- Storytellers who share timeless Native myths and legends with
all interested people.
- Demonstrations and classes on beadwork, hide tanning, cooking,
finger weaving, and the making of Native crafts.
- Carnival rides, clowns and other amusements for children.
"The Pow Wow Trail"
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