Voices United honoring the traditions of Native Americans at local pow wow
Vicki Baker
America is a vast land of many cultures dating back thousands of years to the original inhabitants of the land. To recognize and honor the traditions and contributions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Indigenous peoples, Native American Heritage Month was established as an annual observance in November. Celebrating this rich heritage, Voices United members had the privilege of attending the annual pow wow recently held in Dallas.
Back in the day, pow wows welcomed warriors home from a hunt or battle. Today, it’s a reunion for Native families, clans, and tribes spread apart in different cities, states, or reservations, a time when Native people reflect on traditions and affirm their identity through song, dance, community, and respect.
The pow wow kicked off with the Grand Entry, a formal opening ceremony. It’s led by the color guard carrying the American flag, state flag, and Eagle Staff, a sacred symbol acknowledging the warriors who help protect the Native way of life. Adorned with the revered eagle feathers, it’s also viewed as the national flag for Indian Country. A procession of elders, veterans, dancers, and dignitaries from local tribes followed. Once all the dancers were in the center arena, the “Flag Song” was sung, a prayer offered, then the “Victory Song.”
The drumbeat was central to the event, providing the rhythm for the dancers who are honoring traditions, not just performing. Various styles of competitive and non-competitive dancing were showcased by men, women, and children dressed in full regalia and representing various tribes. And what regalia it was! Exquisitely adorned with ribbons, feathers, beads, and bells, this was nothing less than wearable works of art.
Dancing was a central and defining part of the pow wow. We were captivated by the graceful ease of the shawl dancers, the demanding footwork of fancy dancing, and the rhythmic chiming of the jingle dress. Carrying forth their heritage, children participated in “tiny tots” dances. But our favorite was the free-for-all, communal Intertribal round dance where we all joined in, Native and non-native alike.
In addition to the dancing, singing, and drum circles, we browsed the many stalls of indigenously crafted jewelry, beadwork, and art.
Embracing diversity is a shared, ongoing endeavor. Attending the pow wow was an immersive cultural experience for Voices United, bringing us together in celebrating the Native American heritage through dance, song, and shared traditions.
If you, too, share the common goal of inclusion and equity through diversity, visit Voices United, a 501(c)(3) organization of progressive women, on the first Saturday of the month at 11 a.m. in the clubhouse. For more information, visit www.voicesunitedrr.org.