Sunday 11 November 2018
Sweet Dreams
Indigenous Culture
There are a variety of regional dance styles performed by men, women and children across North America. Hoop Dance, Fancy Dance, Crow Hop Rabbit Dance, Smoke Dance and Sneak Up Dance are just a few.
Powwow dances, drum music and singers, and regalia are sacred elements of the celebration, meant not only to entertain, but also to tell important stories about personal and cultural history
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Powwow dances, drum music and singers, and regalia are sacred elements of the celebration, meant not only to entertain, but also to tell important stories about personal and cultural history
Powwow
Powwow dances are beautiful expressions of Indigenous spirituality, history and culture.
For all dancers, the spiritual centre of a powwow is always the Circle — a revered area blessed by a spiritual leader, Veteran, Shaman and Wisdom Keeper.
Regalia
Powwow dancers dress in regalia appropriate for
the dance category. This includes not only the dress or outfit worn,
but also the accessories, such as moccossins, Eagle
feather fans, hair roaches (a type of male headdress), jewellery and
make-up. Regalia is unique and sacred to each dancer. It should
therefore not be confused with or likened to a “play” costume. Powwow
clothing and accessories are created with great care and attention, and
hold deep meaning and spiritual significance to the dancer.
Regalia is adorned with various materials. Some outfits feature intricate beadwork (often sewed by a family member or friend), while others use ribbons, shiny materials or the use of traditional materials, such as porcupine quills. Cotton is often the base-material for regalia; however, traditional materials, such as buckskin, are still used. While these outfits are beautiful to look at, powwow etiquette requests that observers not touch or take pictures of dancers’ regalia without permission. Often a loonie or toonie is requested and is inturn given to a Veteran.
Regalia is adorned with various materials. Some outfits feature intricate beadwork (often sewed by a family member or friend), while others use ribbons, shiny materials or the use of traditional materials, such as porcupine quills. Cotton is often the base-material for regalia; however, traditional materials, such as buckskin, are still used. While these outfits are beautiful to look at, powwow etiquette requests that observers not touch or take pictures of dancers’ regalia without permission. Often a loonie or toonie is requested and is inturn given to a Veteran.
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