It is that time of year when the people of the "First Nations" start getting together their finest regalia, practice their songs and dances and prepare for the "Gathering of Nations". Some may have been preparing for this event for weeks or even months, for it is huge and draws people from all over the country. The Gathering of Nations, a huge powwow, is held annually the last full weekend in April at the sports arena of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. This year the dates are April 23-25, 2009.

This is an event that thousands of people attend, both Native Americans and non-Native Americans. Indian traders market is already sold out so there are going to be lots of vendors there with some of the best native arts and crafts in the country! AND - good things to eat! Although some powwows are not open to everybody, this one is and all are welcome.

Powwows are a celebration of life, heritage, language and culture of the First Peoples of North America. A powwow is an event organized and performed by Native Americans. It is a time for nations to share, celebrate and perform with their cultural dances and songs, to meet once again with old friends, renew their bonds and meet new friends. It is a sacred, spiritual and social event that over time has come to mean more each year to the peoples of the nations. There are many different powwow styles, hundreds of distinct songs and dances and traditions that identify each nation. It is a great and fun event to attend and one will feel the power, the excitement, the sacredness of the ceremonial dances, the songs and most of all the vibrations of the drums that beat a lasting impression into your mind and a deep respect into your heart and with each echo leaves an experience not soon to be forgotten.

Although the songs, dances and storytelling have been shared among tribes for thousands of years, powwows have come into the social gathering tradition only recently, beginning with a few around the early twentieth century in the Great Lakes area and rapidly growing to events being held annually all over the country. This one huge event draws many of the nations together for contests and celebrations.

A powwow is a spiritual legacy that keeps the Native heritage alive and carries on the traditions of their cultures. There is a sacred element involved in all powwows and this is to be treated with respect and honor by all participants as well as observers. For instance, if an eagle feather falls from a dancer's regalia (attire), it is a sign that represents a fallen warrior. It will be retrieved in a ceremonial way and presented to a veteran. This is a sacred function and there is to be no photographing of this event because of the respect that must be shown to the participants.

There are certain powwow etiquette and rules that must be abided by and respected by all. The utmost importance of these is 'Respect'. Respect and listen to the Master of Ceremonies; stand and remove your hats during the entry of the eagle feather standard which is followed by the tribal chiefs and the esteemed elders, finally by a procession of all the dancers; do not point to anyone (this is considered rude at all times, anywhere); do not take any photographs; do not touch the regalia of the dancers; do not enter the circle of dancers and drums unless you are invited; and more than likely there will be other rules and etiquette to follow. If you are uncertain as to what is expected of you, ask a powwow volunteer or find an information booth. Be aware of the etiquette expected and most of all prepare to have fun and enjoy this great experience!

The Drums are of major importance to any powwow. Drums are considered sacred by the Native Americans and are thought of to have a spirit of their own. They represent the thunder of Wankan Tanka, The Great Spirit, and the beating of the heart of Mother Earth. It denotes courage, strength and a spiritual quality that vibrates through every soul present and carries up to the Great Spirit the messages, prayers, gratefulness and joys of the people.

The "Drums" not only refers to the instrument the musicians beat on to accompany the dancing and singing, but to the circle of musicians and their drums from each Nation. There are contests to choose the best "Drum" (The Circle of Drums) and the different circles take turns accompanying each dance.

There is an Abenaki Legend about the drum which says:

"It is said that when Creator was giving a place for all the spirits to dwell who would be taking part in the inhabitance of Mother Earth, there came a sound, a loud BOOM, from off in the distance.

As Creator listened, the sound kept coming closer and closer until finally it was right in front of Creator. "Who are you?" asked Creator. "I am the spirit of the drum" was the reply. "I have come here to ask you to allow me to take part in this wonderful thing." "How will you take part?" Creator questioned." I would like to accompany the singing of the people. When they sing from their hearts, I will also sing as though I was the heartbeat of Mother Earth. In that way, all creation will sing in harmony. "Creator granted the request, and from then on, the drum accompanied the people's voices."

So, if you are heading to the powwow make sure you take your best moccasins and follow the echos of the drums.
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