The Native American powwow is a festival with roots in early American Indian culture and continues today with gatherings that can last as long as a week. The gatherings in the Buffalo area reach an average crowd of 7,000 people per day, according to Alan Jamison of Native American Community Services. Filled with traditional drum chants and fancydancing, powwows immerse those who attend in the culture of the host nation. Dancers wear traditional regalia, much of which is handmade and passed down from generation to generation, and participants compete for large cash prizes. The fair-like atmosphere also includes Native American food, like corn soup and fry bread, as well as arts and crafts.

There will be two major powwows taking place in the area this summer, both hosted by the Seneca Nation. The first will be held July 14-16 at Lackey Plaza, 310 4th Street in Niagara Falls. The Border Crossing Powwow will feature Competitive dancing, traditional arts and crafts, food and other activities. The second event, Veterans Powwow, will take place July 21-23 at Veterans Park in Salamanca. Both events are considered competitive powwows and will give away almost $100,000 in prize money to the winning dance teams.

Before heading out to one of the many in the area, there are points of etiquette to consider. Try to arrive early to the event so as not to interrupt the grand entry or dance. No alcohol or drugs are allowed on the grounds. Also, before snapping photos or using any type of recording device at a powwow, be sure to ask permission. Generally it is accepted, but it’s always courteous to ask. For more information on Native American events, tune to the Voice of Reason, AM 1270, at 9pm on Wednesday nights for Native News.