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In-depth

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Contents Feature - Rhythm of nations Dancing down under Powwow summer Capital powwow Origin of power Born to dance Make your own dreamcatcher Cartographer's table Games CG vault Re:sources

There is a common belief among First Nations peoples that when the world was created, it was given a power. It is said the power could not be used until the medicine man instructed it. Long ago, spiritual leaders sang songs and performed dances as a means of exercising this power.

Early European explorers who witnessed these dances thought that a powwow — from the Algonquian term "pau wau," referring to the gathering of medicine men and spiritual leaders — was the dancing itself.

But they were mistaken. The origin of this traditional native ceremony is not solely defined by dancing, but by the gathering of individuals, who taught, shared, traded, healed and celebrated together. It was a time to share knowledge, form new friendships and renew old ones.

Traditional elements
Many of the traditions from these gatherings have carried on into modern powwows. One of these ancient elements is the Sacred Circle. The Circle is believed to create harmony — meaning all who are a part of it are equal. Traditionally, men did most of the dancing during the powwow and only recently have women been allowed to join the men and dance within the circle.

The powwow begins with the Grand Entry — the opening dance blessing the ceremonies. During this ritual, the eagle staff — the flag of the First Nations peoples — is the first to enter. The staff demonstrates the First Nations peoples' loyalty and honour for flag and country. Dignitaries follow the staff, then the dancers enter before the opening prayers.

Of the many dances traditionally included in powwows, the jingle dress dance (see above) is considered to actually heal the dancer. Performed by native women all over North America, the jingle-dress dance apparently traces its origin to an Ojibwa village on Ontario's Lake of the Woods soon after the First World War, where a father whose daughter was sick sought a vision to help her. In his vision, he was shown how to make a dress and do a dance. He sewed the garment, put it on his daughter and taught her the dance. She soon recovered. The dress, traditionally bedecked with 365 tin cones, has become a symbol of healing. During the jingle-dress dance, one foot must remain on the ground to keep the dancer connected to the earth.

Today, powwows are held all across Canada, seeking to unify the old ways with the new and to celebrate traditions and culture. There are various stories surrounding the genesis fo powwows and pinpointing their exact origin is nearly impossible. But the power of powwows is universal, weaving its traditions with modern interpretations.

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