Here are descriptions of some of what you will see at a Pow Wow along with the meanings of the ceremonies and how to more fully enjoy the experience!

Arena
All Native Americans honor the circle as a powerful symbol of life. The dance arena reminds us of the circle of life and how we are all connected with each other and our surroundings. The arena circle is blessed by a spiritual leader sometime before dancing takes place. Usually tobacco, sage or cedar are used by the dancers as they enter the circle to dance. The dancers themselves are smudged before entering the circle and all bad feelings are left outside of the ring. The circle is considered a sacred place; please treat it as you would a church or temple.

Drum Arbor
The arbor is constructed in the form of a circle. The four colors fly from the four direction poles in the Drum Arbor. These colors - red, yellow, black and white -  are symbolic of many important Native American beliefs. The colors represent the four directions - North, East, South, and West; the four virtues -  bravery, generosity, wisdom, and fortitude; the four colors of man -  red, yellow, black and white; the four ages of man - birth, youth, old age and death. Many other thoughts can be revealed in the circle as you watch the dancers.

 Below is a photo of the Drum Arbor being built.

 Below is a photo of the Arbor, now completed, the Drum awakened, and the Pow Wow is underway -

 Grand Entry
Grand Entry will be held before the traditional dances, at the start of each dance session. The Grand Entry will be led by the Veterans, who will post the flags. Following the veterans will be the Visiting Royalty and Special Guests followed by the Senior Men, Men's Northern Traditional, Men's Southern Straight, Men's Grass Dancers and Men's Fancy Dancers. The men are followed by younger men and boys in the same categories. After the men dancers, the Women's Northern Traditional, Women's Buckskin, Women's Cloth, Women's Jingle and Fancy Shawl Dancers will enter the circle. Finally the women are followed by younger women and girls.

During the Grand Entry, invocation, honor songs and flag songs, everyone who is able should stand. First the Eagle Staff is carried into the dance circle by the Head Veteran Dancer. Then, other veterans will carry flags such as the United States flag, the Canadian, P.O.W., Indiana or tribal flags. All the dancers follow after the flags' entry. The dance will be clockwise starting at the East entrance.

After the Grand Entry song, a flag song will be played by one of the drum groups. A victory song may follow with the dancers standing attentively. An invocation or blessing will be asked by a spiritual leader. Lastly the Eagle Staff is brought by the head Veteran and put in a place of honor before the dancing continues.

 Below is a photo of the Grand Entry

Veterans
The Head veteran and other veterans dance and are honored as warriors of old were, as they post the flag. Warriors in Native American culture are looked up to and respected for their part in service to our country. Many men and women have served during wars and have seen combat. All have given a portion of their lives for the defense of our freedoms. Today Native American culture holds in esteem the veterans that are here to dance as well as all the veterans and warriors who have crossed over. Honor is shown to the veterans by everyone standing during Veteran's songs. Please show the Veterans respect in the dance arena and anywhere else on the pow wow grounds.

Intertribal Dance
An Intertribal Dance is a chance for everyone to dance! Visitors may dance with the Native people. Spectators become participants. Everyone is welcome. You do not have to be wearing regalia, street clothes are fine. The dancers will move as the sun moves in a clockwise motion around the drum arbor. The basic step is the same as the Traditional dancers use. The ball of the foot is tapped on the ground during one beat then the foot is placed flat on the ground during the next beat, repeat this step with the otherfoot without missing a beat. As you enter on the East side of the arena leave any animosity or hard feelings outside. Start truly listening to the drum. Dance with your entire body and spirit!

 An Intertribal Dance