No Shirts, No Shoes? No ceremony.

“By show of hands has anyone ever heard the phrase, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’?”
“Are there any of you younger folks in this room who know what that phrase means?”

This is how I have begun many a class, teaching about Native Culture to young people in schools, scouts, civic organizations, and other groups.

According to Wikipedia: ‘A child has the best ability to become a healthy adult if the entire community takes an active role in contributing to the rearing of the child’.

I am here to inform you we are *all* ‘children’ when it comes to Native American culture. Please don’t take offense when I say this - it is simply to indicate there is literally, figuratively, and actually too much information on the nearly 1000 tribes in North America to be able to ‘know it all’. Although people I look up to in the Indian Community think of me as an ‘expert’, and despite how much I have learned over the past 36 years, I am still just a child when it comes to what I know of the entirety of Native Culture.

Let me lead off with an example of how a lack of knowledge can be harmful. A number of years ago, my family and I went to a local powwow – a dance at a local college. I had been there for several hours when I noticed some young men come in with a friend I knew from Scouts. I thought nothing of this, because it wasn’t out of the norm – many of our local dances and events not only welcome, but encourage scout involvement. But as we were gathering for Grand Entry, I noticed two of these boys, now in dance clothes, were not wearing shoes – only socks. I cautioned both of them to put on shoes, even if they were only sneakers – and I felt that the warning should have been enough. Right after the Grand Entry set was done, this little old lady whose name I didn’t know at the time came up to me, picking at my scarf. She said “you should take care of your boys”. I said, “ma’am, I have three daughters and no boys.” She said, “You’re a Boy Scout Leader, and those boys are Boy Scouts. They are your boys. And they aren’t wearing shoes.”

As a respectful person, I said, “yes, ma’am. I’ll take care of it”. So, I went to advise the boys. When confronted, they chose to take off their outfits instead of wearing shoes with the outfits. And, like is typically done in Indian Communities across the US, I paid for their mistake. I put money on the drum and made a contribution to the host organization. That was mazaska out of my pocket for boys I did not know. Because in the Indian Community, all Boy Scouts are ‘My Boys’.

One of the boys, took the lesson seriously. He has gone on to sing on various southern drums across the country. He’s welcome wherever he goes, now. And he understands that respect is not a once-in-a-while thing. It’s constant and on-going.

Here’s the truly shameful part, though. One of the boys, I have never seen again. Not at any scout function, not at any Indian function. We failed a boy that weekend. That is a fact I am ashamed of to this day.

How can we prevent this? We need to all spread the word. We all need to understand we are each of us equally responsible for the respect we are trying to portray, the traditions we are taking part of, and the outfits that have been made for us to use.

We all have to realize that our Scout ceremonies, the Pre-Ordeal, Ordeal, Brotherhood, Vigil, and all Call-outs and Arrow of Lights that we perform, are intended to be ‘historical re-enactments’ of a ceremony that was developed a long time ago. Much like a play, we can have some artistic license – the types of clothing we wear based on the tribe we attempt to represent, the time period we are attempting to represent, the number of people involved, and more. But, we need to understand some basics before we take complete license with the outfits.

Contrarily, the Lakota have specific outfits (with variations in decoration) for each of their sacred ceremonies, including but not limited to Sweat lodge, Vision Quests, Puberty, and Sun Dance. Yes, there are some of these ceremonies where a man may be shirtless, but these ceremonies are individual and not to impress others.

Our ceremonies need to impress the audience, and especially the candidates. And, although some of you boys may be perfect physical specimens, your being shirtless does not awe the observer, and may quite frankly make some uncomfortable. So, we need to take a cue from the various Tribal Delegation photos that were taken from the early 1800s into the early 1900s. The people who were meeting the President or Congressmen wanted to impress them, so they wore their finest outfits, replete with beadwork, quillwork, feathered headdresses and more.

Rules

So, let’s cover the rules set forth by the Order of the Arrow. This may be interesting to note for some of our Native friends as well. Among others, the rules are:

• All ceremonialists must wear American Indian style dress and their current Order of the arrow sash, all principals should be of the same tribe, nation, or other historic group to blend with each other.
• The use of face paint, endangered animal parts, wigs, or any type of U.S. flag are prohibited (see chapter 4, section conclave). Any display of disrespect, carelessness and/or gross inappropriateness for American Indian customs may be cause for disqualification of the team.
• Appropriate undergarments shall be worn under outfits. Each participant must wear shorts for modesty. For safety reasons appropriate footwear should be worn.
• The Boy Scouts of America policy regarding firearms and knives as stated in the Guide to Safe Scouting will be followed.

Safety Thoughts

• Physical safety (keep all hands and feet inside the car at all times)
• Footwear – at all times, even if they are workboots!
• Fully clothed – at all times (that includes socks, undergarments, etc.!)
• Fire safety – think ahead, don’t get burned

Youth Protection - barriers to abuse

• The Guide to Safe Scouting page 1 (http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34416.pdf)
• Social Media – all photos will show up on social media somewhere

No shirt, no shoes? No ceremony

• if complete outfits are not available, it may be time to reconsider having the ceremony or choose to wear complete Scout uniforms instead.

Authenticity

Now, here’s a reminder of what the Order’s Founder, E. Urner Goodman said on the subject:

“The American Indian has been many things to many people. To us, the Order of the Arrow, he is the symbol of nobility and freedom. This was true before the westward advance of the white Europeans. After this, however, he was all but exterminated from the continent and crowded onto government reservations.

Because the Order of the Arrow has borrowed the culture and crafts from the American Indian, we – as an Order – must maintain the highest standards of authenticity.”

- Dr. E. Urner Goodman, Order of the Arrow National Bulletin, Third Issue 1974


Clothing

Native Americans are modest people, many men wear long sleeves at all times. Women at southern powwows wrap themselves in shawls in the arena and do not wear shorts or tanktops. If you wouldn’t wear something to church or your grandmother’s house because it could offend someone, don’t wear it to a Native American powwow or gathering. Do not add fur trim or store-bought fringe to anything without first researching whether or not it is appropriate to the item and/or outfit. And if an item of clothing looks like pajamas or hospital scrubs, it is pajamas – not a historically correct item. Southwest style patterns are right out prior to 1940, unless you are wearing a Navaho traditional dress or something similar. Big bold floral prints are great for Straight dancers today, but those probably weren’t invented until the 1930s or later. And keep in mind that certain colors were not invented until the 20th century, and shouldn’t be used in historical contexts – I’m talking to you pink and purple!

Remember Modesty first

• Shawls - Ladies should not enter the arena in shorts or short skirts without wearing a shawl or blanket around themselves
• Northern traditional dancers wear shorts and tall socks to cover most of their legs when dancing
• No toes visible, no sandals, no bare feet
• No tank tops, sports bras, bare torsos

Ceremonies

Our ceremonies are native-American-flavored historical reenactments or dramatic retellings of the original ceremonies created 100 years ago – otherwise known as plays - and the actors playing a role as a chief, medicine man, guard, and guide to better tell that story. I know that in the documentation, our ceremonies are that, and the persons playing a role in the ceremony are not simply actors, but the embodiment of the ideals of Scouting and Native Culture. However, as actors in a play, they should wear headgear and outfits appropriate to the role they are portraying. We do no one any honor by wearing the outfit improperly. Are you doing honor to the Scouting program or to the uniform if you are not wearing it properly? Do you set a good example with the shirt on backward and the patches in the wrong place or upside down? Who are you honoring if you aren’t wearing Native American outfits right?

• The OA/BSA ceremonies are not related in any way to native American ceremonies.
• They are much like stage productions, or plays.
• To be taken seriously, stage productions need to be historically accurate. An actor portraying Abe Lincoln, Julius Caesar, or Nelson Mandela would not wear cut-off shorts and combat boots. So, too, an actor would not portray Chief Joseph of Tecumseh or Red Cloud wearing clown costumes or togas.
• Investing – to be taken seriously, maybe an investing should be done before each ceremony.

Outfits from the ground up

I was taught to get dressed from the feet up, so we’ll start with the feet.

Footwear - Do not perform in any ceremony or dance without shoes of some kind on. Plains-style hard-sole Moccasins would be ideal for both ceremonies and dance. But, even hiking boots, though not preferred, are better than nothing. Safety and Religious contexts are both equally vital to the explanation. We don’t want you to get injured, so wear shoes. From a spirituality context, many Native Americans believe the only persons ‘authorized’ to be shoeless in public dances or events, are those who have gone through the Sun Dance. This is a very spiritual ceremony, and because a Scout is Reverent, we should respect this tradition by wearing shoes, water socks, or moccasins of some variety.

Leggings – for any OA or Scout ceremony, from an Arrow of Light celebration to Vigil, the participant performing a role should have pants or leggings on. In dance context, the variety of leg coverings differs based on the style of dance. Follow the established outfit style and you will be fine.

Aprons – Historically, breechcloths, or breechclouts, were worn, before the incorporation of pants and undergarments. But, by today’s standards, breechcloths are not necessary, when an apron will do. These need to be appropriate to the historic tribal outfit or dance style, decorated appropriately, and should avoid stereotype an unauthentic pitfalls
Undergarments – seriously, no one wants to see your backside. Wear shorts and t-shirts under everything. Be Prepared and bring them with you. Do not perform ceremonies or dance without a shirt. From a Youth Protection standpoint, this is common sense. From a safety standpoint this is fairly sensible.

Belt – everyone needs to hold their pants up – this includes leggings, aprons, belt pouches, sheaths, and more. A belt on top of the rest is decorative, but can carry belt pouches and decorative sheaths. I wouldn’t use a beaded or concho belt for holding up your leggings or aprons, though.

Decorative items like breastplates or bandoliers – once again, the tribe and time period, or dance style will determine whether these are worn. I was taught Northern Traditional dancers wear one bandolier that hangs from the left shoulder, and crosses the body to the right hip. Today, Southern Traditional dancers wear two bandoliers that cross the body. Does a straight dancer wear a breastplate and German silver pectoral plate? Sometimes. Does a ceremonialist wear that same outfit? Possibly – depending on the tribal influences for the outfit. Research is key, here.

Neckwear – this could be some form of choker, neckerchiefs, beaded amulets or medallions, German silver slides, breastplates, loop-necklaces, or other combinations or variations. Be careful, there are tribal influences here that can be problematic. For example, the Kiowa do not believe in wearing a bearclaw necklace, but other tribes use it as a sign of accomplishments.

Headdresses – this is important – not every Indian wears a feather bonnet! In fact, very few historically or currently, actually wear these headdresses. Usually, each feather represents some accomplishment or deed that helped the tribe, clan, family, etc. in some way. In modern dance, the roach is the most common item worn, and is fairly accurate for more ceremonial roles, depending on the tribe and time period again – a 21” roach isn’t appropriate for the Comanche or Huron from the early 1800s, but it is definitely appropriate for most dance styles today. Among most southern tribes, the use of an otter turban is relegated to tribal or organization leaders, but others wore them as trophies taken from enemies. And for the love of all that is crunchy and salty, not every ‘Medicine Man’ wore buffalo horn headdresses! Please research this subject. There are many different headdresses throughout North America – from Oneida gustowehs to Haida frontlets.
I could go on ad nauseum about this, but will leave with this one last thought – a Scout is Courteous, Kind, and Reverent (among other points). If at any point you think someone could take offense with something you are doing, you definitely need to rethink what you are doing. If it feels wrong, it very well could be.

• “Both feathers and face paint have purpose and often spiritual significance depending on tribal protocol and individual interpretation. In Native cultures, both feathers and face paint are earned through actions and deeds that bring honor to both tribes and nations.” — Dennis Zotigh, Cultural Specialist, NMAI
• Symbol of leadership and sacrifice – analogous of purple heart or nobel peace prize
• Plains tribes use eagle feathers, anything less than a representation of that is insulting – rooster, turkey, parrot feathers
• Colors should be traditional, not contemporary – red, white, yellow, black, blue vs. orange, pink, green, purple
• Proper placement – Browbands are called that because they sit on your brow, not your bangs

Facepaint or makeup – there are reasons that Native Americans wore facepaint. From the earliest days of red ochre, which coined the term that begat the name for the football team in Washington DC, to the death masks of the plains tribes, to the paint worn in coming-of-age ceremonies across the US, each iteration of paint on faces meant something, and likely still does. The Order of the Arrow has more than suggested that facepaint is not allowed above the Lodge level – it is not part of the traditions of the OA, in fact. But, each lodge, with permission of local tribes can use facepaint where appropriate. The problem is this – it isn’t appropriate any longer, especially without historical context or proven research. Facepaint was used in warfare as often as not, but not for meetings among tribe leaders. It was used to distinguish one warrior among others on the battlefield, but not to hide the face in personal settings. It was used to denote accomplishments in some tribes, and also, it was worn on a daily basis in some tribes until a certain point in time, at least. But, for our ceremony purposes, facepaint obscures the face as much as a mask does, and masks are forbidden. Communication is as much visual as it is oral, so hiding the face or obscuring it takes away from the ability of the observer to fully understand those visual cues. Facepaint, when done properly, can make a dancer look amazing and intimidating, but our ceremonies are not meant to be scary, intimidating, or obfuscating. And the use of emblems and logos and inaccurate historical or tribal designs, just offends people, no matter how respectful you intend to be.


“Oh! That’s cool!”

No! But, also yes, sometimes...

• Unless the historical accuracy of the item is the reason you believe it is ‘cool’, do not go down this path for ceremonies outfits
• For dance outfits, we Boy Scouts are not innovators, we are participators. Do not innovate or create new items for dance outfits until you have seen many examples of that item already
• Research, research, research – do not just assume you are correct, just because your lodge, chapter, or group has ‘always done it that way’. Many traditions have begun out of ignorance and have continued because of a lack of research.

Fine Lines

• “We’re borrowing a culture. We either borrow it correctly or we don’t borrow it at all.” – Pat Collins, Vigil Honor, Colonneh Lodge
• "We grow up romanticizing native culture, native art, native history ... without knowing native reality," - Shailene Woodley, star of “Divergent”
• “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better” - Maya Angelou
• “When people of one culture meet those of another, it helps if both know what behavior is acceptable, which words will smooth communication and which should be avoided.” - Suzanne Walson, “Sharing a Heritage,” Scouting, Nov-Dec 1997
• “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” – St. Ambrose

“No shirt, no shoes? No ceremony.” is the mantra I developed as a reminder to our youth that if you don't have an appropriate shirt or shoes to wear, we shouldn't be doing the ceremony. This extends to other pieces as well, and certainly includes the whole fire safety, be prepared, and so on. But, it’s sinking in. It’s been a few years since I last saw a ceremony performed by shirtless or legging-less boys. And even the most stalwart survivalist among our youth, who has the toughest feet, has conceded hiking boots are better for ceremonies use than wearing nothing on the feet.

Southern Powwow Flag Protocol

Recently, I have been asked by numerous folks when I planned on posting again.  My answer was, I hadn’t had anything that jumped out at me – until now (and it's been a busy year).  I’m going to talk about Powwow Grand Entries for a bit and explain a little about Flag Protocol and Veteran Protocol.  I invite comments and feedback on this subject.  In fact, I encourage it. 

I will preface this by saying the vast majority of my experience is Southern Protocol powwows, even though I started as a Northern (bustle) dancer.  Southern Protocol powwows are those influenced by tribes of the southern plains – Comanche, Kiowa, Ponca, Alabama-Coushatta, and so many more.  In my life, I have been to many powwows across the US (California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Michigan, Indiana, and Kansas).  All of them southern protocol, by the way.  I have been fortunate to be part of the Grand Entry carrying the flags of different States, Tribal and Powwow Organizations, Military, and even the US Flag on many occasions, as well.  I have been Head Man, Head Veteran, MC, and Arena Director at a few dances, too. 

I live in Texas - the shortest drive to get out of the state is two hours.  Travel opportunities further north or east just haven’t been feasible for the most part.  One of these days, I will get to Crow Fair, Ft. Washakie, Denver March, and maybe even a dance or two up in Canada, if they’ll allow a foreigner (i.e., Texan) that far north. 

But, the following seems to be standard for southern protocol powwows.

Grand Entry Dancer Order (southern protocol)

·         Flags & Veterans

·         Head Staff

·         Visiting Princesses

·         Straight Dancers

·         Northern Traditional Dancers (includes Crow style, Chicken, round bustle, and a few others)

·         Grass Dancers

·         Fancy Feather Dancers

·         Southern Ladies (cloth & buckskin)

·         Northern Ladies (cloth & buckskin)

·         Jingle

·         Fancy Shawl

·         The order repeats for the children at this point.  But, small children often accompany a parent, enter with the appropriate group of adults, or possibly even just enter in very little order because they are children. 

Occasionally, we will see a dancer in an outfit that doesn’t quite fit into one of those categories, for example, dancers dressed in traditional Cherokee, Seminole, Haida, or Iroquois clothes (to name only a few).  It’s up to the AD and/or the dancer’s experience to determine where they line up in the Grand Entry.  Most often, I’ve seen them in the Northern Traditional section, actually.

Grand Entry Song Order

·         Grand Entry song

·         Flag Song – for those of you not in the know, this is equivalent to the National Anthem, and all appropriate honors and recognitions should be followed here.  All other flags in the procession should dip in honor of the US Flag and the US Flag should be held straight up and/or elevated above the others.

·         Prayer and/or Memorial song or a suitably appropriate prayer or somber song

·         Victory song or Veterans song – veterans dance the flags out of the arena, usually passing around the entire arena once and then posting the flags in the appropriate locations at the MC stand.

Caveat: the MC, AD, or Head Singer can preempt certain songs or change the order slightly at their discretion, based on need, time, or other reasons.

Direction of dancing

I was taught when I was young, and have had reiterated to me many, many, many times, we enter from the East when coming into the arena.  This is where the sun comes from, it is where life comes from, and the powwow arena, much like the war dance circle, is intended to represent the inside of a lodge or tipi.  Environmental factors dictated why tipis faced east predominantly – prevailing winds, storms, etc.  I was also taught the lodge’s entrance was to face east so the sun would wake the person who slept in the most respected position in the lodge.  I am sure there are many other reasons for lodges facing east.  

The important point is the powwow arena represents those lodges and should be entered from the East to represent that.  When entering a lodge, you pass to your left and move around the center, or, as a Kiowa gentleman once told me “move sunwise”.  I am aware that there are tribal influences that dictate a different direction of travel in the arena.  But, again, I am speaking specifically of the Southern protocol powwows I have experienced.  I’ve said before, and heard it again recently, “when in Rome, do as the Romans” – which means, if the protocol is to ‘move sunwise’, whether it is your tradition or not, you go with the prevailing protocol, unless the MC or AD states otherwise.

It is also my experience that the MC stand/stage should be opposite the entrance.  My understanding is that when the Head Staff stands in front of the MC for their Specials, it is because they are representing the Headsmen and Leaders of the tribe (in this case, the event or organization).  The position of respect in the lodge is opposite the entrance.  So this is why the MC stand, out of respect to - and a bit of convenience for - those persons, the MC stand should be opposite the entrance to the arena.

US Flag Code

The Us Flag Code is only part of a much larger US Code.  It describes the design of the flag, how to respect the flag properly, and so much more.  I highly encourage all readers to read the US Flag code.  It is written in legalese, so some of the writing takes re-reading a few times to grasp fully.  But, this Code dictates the manner in which we respect our flag.  It is important.

Section 175 – Position and Manner of Display
“The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.”
Subsection c, states, among other things: “No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy.”
Subsection k – “When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.”

Section 176 – Respect for the flag“No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.”
Subsection c – “The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.“

The US Flag Code can be found on several websites. Here are some for reference:

http://www.military.com/flag-day/us-flag-code.html
http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html
https://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30243.pdf

Additional Considerations

That covers the basics, but there is more - from a tradition standpoint - to think about.  Most of the powwows I have been to have had the flags carried in by veterans in single- or double-file.  In this case, and according to the US Flag Code, the US Flag should lead the way.  Sometimes it can be accompanied by the Indian Flag, or Eagle Staff, but should be preeminent in the procession.

If you have ever seen the flag patches on US Military uniforms, they appear to be backward, according to the Code above.  But, in fact, they are representing the flag blowing in the breeze (For more information on Army Regulation 670-1, http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf).  I was once told that this is to represent the many battles this flag has endured and been carried into.  The flag should be waving, not stationary, and certainly not cased (or held down and not allowed to fly), when being brought into the dance arena. 

The US Flag and other flags are traditionally carried by veterans, whether they saw combat or not.  Other veterans escort the US Flag into the arena during the Grand Entry, acting as an honor guard or color guard.  They dance behind the flag-bearers, stand to when the flag is stationary, salute when appropriate (see Us Flag code for manner of proper saluting – veterans under arms or while wearing a cover are allowed to use a military salute instead of the hand over the heart), and escort the flag to its post, dancing it out of the arena.  I have seen some groups who dance in the POW/MIA flag, but move opposite the direction the other dancers take.  Again, this is not my training, but I can find nothing in any protocol related to carrying that particular flag, so I cannot speak to this in more depth.

Normally, during Grand Entry the flags enter the arena, pass in front of the MC stand, pass by the entrance again, and then stop facing East from in front of the MC stand but near the center of the arena, allowing all other dancers time to enter the arena during the Grand Entry.  This means they have made one-and-a-half circuits of the arena.  In especially large dances, the number of circuits can be extended, if necessary.  When the Victory or Veterans song is sung, those dancers carrying and guarding the US Flag dance one circuit around the arena and head toward the MC Stand where the flags are posted – US flag on the MC’s right (audience’s left) and all other flags and standards on the MC’s left (audience’s right).  I will admit that usually when an Eagle Staff is carried in, it is usually posted near the US Flag, but still in accordance with the Flag Code (meaning to the US Flag’s left, or closer to the center of the MC’s stand).

Sometimes a specific Color Guard – college ROTC cadets, VFW, American Legion, or some other civic or military honor group - will provide four or more individuals in appropriate uniforms (or ‘under arms’) and accoutrements (covers, gloves, rifles, etc.) to march the flag into the arena.  Much like at a sporting event, they will march to their own cadence, and call their own orders for presenting the colors properly.  On several occasions, I have seen the veterans organize themselves enough to carry the flags into the arena in this manner, as well.  At the AD’s discretion, the remaining veterans dance to where the flags are displayed and line up on both sides of the Color Guard, or they can dance separately - leading the procession, or they can dance with their respective dance styles.

Of course, with all things involving the arena, the AD (Arena Director) has the final say.  Some of us vets are a bit hard-headed and will not want to leave our Colors behind, though.  “Never let the flag fall, and never leave a man behind” are mottos almost all of us can get behind.  But, there should remain a respect for the position of Arena Director, even then.  He’s just trying to keep the dance orderly and moving – I’ve been there, I get it.  So, a polite discussion can be had, but if the AD says ‘do it my way’, do it his way.

What do the other dancers do during the Grand Entry Veterans song?

This is a little tricky.  But, ‘when in Rome…’.  Here’s what I have seen most often.  When the veterans are dancing out the flags, all other dancers dance in place.  In recent years, I have seen a plethora of people raising their fans or dance sticks when the flag passes by.  I cannot speak to the reasons for this, because it was not how I was taught ‘lo those many years ago. 

What should everyone else be doing Grand Entry?

Out of respect for the flags and the veterans or Color Guards carrying the flags, and the Head Staff following them into the arena, it is asked that all who are able stand for the duration of the Grand Entry.  Usually, the MC will address this over the microphone, so those who are unaware can be made aware.  Once the flags have been posted, the dancing kicks off with Round Dances or other intertribal dancing, as the Organization and/or Head Staff has deemed appropriate.  At this point, the audience can take a seat – again the MC should notify the audience of this, as well. 

Veterans songs at the end of the Powwow

At many southern powwows, near the end of the evening, right before the final prayer or closing song, one or two Veterans Songs may be sung.  The MC should announce what the protocol would be in this case.  For instance, he may ask that the first song be for veterans only, and the second for their families or anyone who has a loved one in the service.  I was told when I was younger, and practiced this until I joined the military, that non-servicemembers or non-veterans were supposed to take off any headwear they had on during these veterans particular songs.  I don’t recall the reasons for this, though, having been lost to the annals of time.  But, one can imagine this is out of respect for those veterans on the dance floor.  One might even suppose that because the roach was once a warrior’s headdress, those not affiliated with the military should not wear them during those final veterans songs, if they choose to dance.  You could even think that by taking off the roach and dancing, you are recognizing your association to another warrior or veteran.  I honestly do not recall the whys and wherefores associated with that teaching, however.  I just know I respected the men who taught me, and they taught me not to wear the roach during those songs – until I became a veteran myself.

Follow up

I’d like to know if Northern protocol powwows are vastly different in scope, scale, direction, or method of approach to those of southern powwows.  Please let me know if you have any questions, or insight into what I have written.