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When the eagle staff is brought in during the grand entry, everyone MUST
stands and Hats are removed in respect.
That same respect is
shown should an eagle
feather fall during the
dancing. Everything must
stop until a proper
returning of the feather
has been performed,
there is NO VIDEO
RECORDING OR PHOTOS
during the retrieval of
a fallen eagle feather.
Pay extra attention to
the Master of Ceremonies
(MC), various
announcements and
Etiquette is announced
about the event and type
of dances.
DO NOT TOUCH the dancers
Eagle Feathers, Bustles,
Plumes or Fans.
Pointing with a finger,
particularly the index
finger, is considered
impolite. It's best to
indicate a person or
direction by pursing the
lips and pointing with
the eyes or to nod in
the direction. For the
Lakota, indicating with
a thumb or little
finger, while not
preferred, would still
be more polite than the
index finger, but never
toward a person.
DO NOT
bother the performers or
stand in front of those
preparing to dance or
those singing.
DO NOT bring Strollers
are discouraged as they
are not allowed in the
seating area, and there
is no place to park
them.
Security, UNM, or the
Gathering of Nations
will not be responsible
for them if stolen or
lost.
Photos and Video
Recording IS ALLOWED,
make sure to bring extra
batteries.
Please ask permission
before snapping an
individual's photograph
outside the dance area,
for this is private
time. Some powwows are
more restrictive than
others in terms of
photographing the event.
Don't touch any regalia
outfits (NEVER refer to
them as costumes).
Ornaments have special
meanings and many of the
handmade outfits cost
thousands of dollars,
and are cherished and
sometimes are made by a
respected family member.
Frequently they are
heirlooms and may be
delicate.
Feel free to join in the
inter-tribal dances by
invitation of the Master
of Ceremonies (MC).
Dances are either for
men or women and
competitions generally
are divided by age
categories.
In order to encourage
and reward children,
every dancer younger
than about 5 years old
receives some award of
at least a dollar or
two. This removes the
aspect of competition,
letting them just enjoy
participation.
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