Ceremony
by: Gail Lang

Once the circle is cleansed and made sacred, the ceremonies and festivities begin with the Grand Entry. This procession is open to all of the Native Americans. The eldest of the color guard proudly bears the Indian flag at the beginning of the procession. The elders of the tribes follow carrying the flags of our nation, the state and their people. Everyone in the crowd stands tall and silent as the procession begins. The elders lead, followed by the chiefs. The other tribal members form specific groups and slowly and reverently move around the circle. After making a complete circle, the leaders stop in the center and wait for the others to slowly form a human circle around the edge of the arena. Then, as in any flag ceremony, the colors are posted with great pride.


Click on the pictures above for a larger view of each.

Following the posting of the flags and colors, a special ceremonial dance honors the veterans of the Nations as well as the United States. John Blackfeather now invites into the circle all war veterans native or not, active or retired, as well as those who wish to dance for a loved one away in battle or killed in war to come into the circle. As they come he speaks softly, "Come and join us. We are able to practice our beliefs today because of our veterans. Many years ago the white man came to our lands, and we welcomed him to our homes and to our hearts. To this day we are able to live together. This is our free country. We are able to share our freedom still because of the brave hearts of our veterans. Whether Native Americans or not, we recognize these brave men and women with this song and dance." Everyone in the crowd remains standing and honors each passing veteran, grateful for their contribution to our current freedom. The honored dance around the circle to the special song written for them, a song of deep honor and respect. After they have danced around the circle twice, all the other dancers who stood their vigil in honor around the edge of the circle joined in the dancing.

When all have left the circle, the eldest respected Native American offers a blessing prayer to the Great Spirit. The chiefs and representatives of all tribes and nations are introduced and welcomed, then the dances begin.



The beat of the drum accompanies each ceremony and dance. Considered sacred, the drum is the heartbeat of any powwow. Each dancer listens to its beat with their heart, and their feet dance to its music. The Red Wolf Singers of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe from North Carolina honored this powwow with their drumming and singing. It is their life. They travel the powwow circuit drumming and singing each chance they are given. They sometimes ask nothing more than a place to sleep and perhaps food for their bellies.

Singing the songs is a joy and honor. The songs can be any combination of things, from chants to Indian words honoring the dance being performed. The singers openly share their songs as they are for the people. Each dance has a song written specifically for it. For your listening pleasure, download and enjoy a couple of songs.


Native Americans: Edisto Powwow 1997
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