United Tribes Indian Powwow

American Indian Tribes Parade
And Again...

Pretty Indian Maid

Avalyn & Murray enjoy the spectacle

I found an Indian Brave

Here we have one each - both from a South Dakota tribe

Avalyn asking this brave where he is from

Indian in Cowboy Hat

Lining up for the Bison Feast - it was 6 times that long

Bison Feast

If you look in a dictionary, the definition of 'powwow' refers to an old American Indian word meaning discussion or conference. In America, there are numerous Indian Tribes, and they meet to discuss common issues, have dancing, drum playing and flute competitions, and generally socialise and celebrate their culture. One of the largest Powwows in America is held in North Dakota each year - attracting Indians from each of the 50 US states and from Canadian Provinces too. All the tribes are represented including Sioux (predominant in this area), Mandan, Latoka, Apache, Hidatsa & Chippewa amongst many others.

This year we got to attend our first powwow, along with 1500 American Indian dancers. Avalyn came along with us and we witnessed the colourful and musical displays - the tattoes of drum beats were hauntingly eerie. Like other social gatherings, it is a chance for vendors to display their wares - tents were selling a variety of American Indian crafts, raw materials for their vibrant outfits such as beads, feathers, furs etc, and the usual Tshirts, caps and sundry items. The food stalls were typical of US fairgrounds with one huge exception - here they offer a free bison feed. At 4pm they start serving a free meal to anyone who lines up. The line snaked for several yards by the time we got there, but it moved very quickly. You are first handed a firm cardboard tray like a TV dinner tray and a packet with knife, fork, spoon, serviette, pepper & salt. The first stop is the bison meat counter where you are handed a huge slice of steaming bison rump. Next stop is mashed potatoes, followed closely by brown gravy. Then a hot corn on the cob is placed on your tray and finally a bread roll. On the drinks counter, glasses of pink lemonade are waiting, as are packets of butter for the corn/bread roll. You then find a seat at a picnic table and enjoy the feast. We were very impressed with the whole set up. The food was tender, tasty and hot. They serve thousands of people so effortlessly.

For Murray & I it was an amazing experience to be among vast numbers of the Indians in their traditional dress and see them proudly displaying their heritage. One chap I saw was dressed in his Indian gear but wearing a cowboy hat. I only got a photo of him retreating, but I thought that was a good blend of both cultures. Some of the headdresses and other accoutrements were very impressive. It seemed so natural by the end of the day to see them mingling in the crowds - mind you, the Indians outnumbered the rest of us. I took a few videos, but didn't realise until I got home and looked at them, that because I took them from under cover and out into the sunlight, they came out too light. I should have gone out into the light and the camera would have balanced the light/shade better. Live & learn. So I will include a video to give you an idea, but my apologies for the poor quality. What a great opportunity - we had a most memorable day! Thanks Avalyn!