06/03/2026
Powwow Etiquette - know before you go!
Powwow celebrations are open to anyone & everyone. Guests are simply asked to respect indigenous culture by keeping in mind the following suggestions:
Seating - Bring a chair with you, as there is often not enough seating for everyone. Chairs under the dance arena & drum arbor (where dancing & singing takes place) are reserved for dancers & singers only.
Master of Ceremonies - Listen carefully to the Master of Ceremonies (MC) when you are in attendance. The MC will keep all attendees informed & often explains powwow protocol to help visitors learn and feel more comfortable. After all, visitors are supposed to relax and have fun!
Grand Entry - Remain standing and remove any hats during the entire grand entry — the MC will announce when it begins. Also, no photography is allowed during grand entry.
Dance Arena - Do not enter the dance arena unless the MC grants permission for everyone to come out and dance. Guests may enter the arena is to participate in inter-tribal dances, round dances, blanket dances, or honoring dances. All of these will be announced by the MC. When in the dance arena, always dance in the clockwise direction.
Arena Safeguards - Here in Anishinaabe territory, we do not carry binoojiis (children) in the dance arena. Children must be able to walk/dance on their own when they are in the dance arena. This is a matter of protecting our children. In our Anishinaabe belief system, carrying children in the arena is an act signifying that you are offering that child to the spirits & is considered dangerous.
Regalia - Do not refer to dancers’ regalia (clothing) as "Costumes". These handcrafted outfits are given much thought, time, and expense. Do not touch a dancer’s regalia without asking his or her permission.
Feathers - Feathers are sacred. If one falls, do not pick it up. Leave it where it is. Inform the arena director to ensure they are aware that a feather has fallen.
Photography - If you want a particular dancer or group of dancers to pose for a photograph, please get their permission. If you are a professional photographer who may use the image in the future for a commercial project, please get permission from the dancer(s) and have them sign a release form.
Prohibited Items - Alcohol, drugs, political campaigning and pets are prohibited at powwows. Do not attend if you are under the influence.
Moon Time – If you are a woman & are on your moon time (menstrual cycle) please avoid the dance arena. Its also a good idea to put some cedar in your shoes/moccasins to protect yourself & others during this powerful time. Also, do not touch any medicines (to***co, sweetgrass, cedar or sage) or sacred items like pipes or drums.
Powwow feasts - Elders first! Indigenous people highly value and respect the wisdom that comes with age. When eating, children and young adults serve the Elders, who always eat first. Never step ahead of someone in line who might be older than you.
Parking – parking at powwow celebrations is often limited. Try to carpool if possible & reserve parking spaces in close proximity to the powwow grounds open for the elders.
Trash removal - make an extra effort to ensure your trash ends up in the trash cans provided on the Powwow grounds. Indigenous cultures have a deep respect Mother Earth so please avoid littering.
Cliché’s - Do not use indigenous clichés or make “Indian Jokes”, even if intended to be fun. Calling men “Chief” or women “Indian Princess” would be considered very disrespectful, for instance.
Support the vendors – Come hungry! Bring some cash (or card) to support the local food & craft vendors at the event. These vendors travel all over Indian country to sell their delicious specialty food items & authentic crafts. Grab yourself an Indian Taco, some Wild Rice or Corn Soup, and wash it down with a sweetgrass & berry infused lemonade! After that, find yourself a pair of beautiful earrings, a beaded lanyard, or a powwow t-shirt as a souvenir to commemorate your attendance.
Spread the word – Many people think that powwows are only open for indigenous people to attend. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Please inform your family & friends that powwow celebrations are open anyone & everyone. Come experience our beautiful & vibrant culture - You won’t be disappointed.
Miigwech
**Disclaimer - we understand that powwow etiquette (or protocols in general) will vary community to community. These basic etiquette teachings are ones that we follow here in Anishinaabe territory. We are also taught that when visiting other communities, we may see things done differently. In that case, we are taught to follow the protocols of the community we are visiting, as respectful guests. This is a matter of mutual respect - Miigwech**
