Summary
Every year, there are hundreds of powwows across the U.S. and Canada, showcasing Native music, dance, arts, and culture. Learn about how powwows come from a time when Native cultures were repressed—Native peoples were forced off their lands, onto smaller and smaller scraps of territory. With so many Native nations crammed in together, a new intertribal identity eventually emerged. Today, powwows are a place for people to celebrate that Native cultures have survived and flourished. Check out the gorgeous regalia during the Grand Entry, enjoy the flashy Men's and Women's Fancy Dances, and listen to the Emcee for stories, jokes, and tips on what to do and when. Press "play" to hit the powwow trail!
Viewer safety
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Powwows:
- What is one new thing you learned about powwows?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining powwows.
- Draw or give one example of your own.