Have you ever been to an American Indian powwow?

They are colorful and provide an opportunity to learn about the culture. I'm glad you got the chance to go as a child. You can probably find one near you at powwows.com if you want to see how your perceptions have changed.

I go to powwows in Ohio, mostly. I've been to the Gathering of Nations one year in New Mexico. THAT was awesome. Thousands of dancers in regalia from all over the country.

What nations are represented in powwows in MA?

The Pow-Wows in Charlemont Ma. are open to every one. There are some dances and other ceremonies that are for only one tribe or another but most are open to anyone. There is going to be a Pow-Wow on Juune29,30 and July 1 at Charlemont Ma. Maybe we will be able to meet there. Let me know.

Wish we could! I was just curious about where most of your dancers come from. Ours are mostly plains Indians and a few woodland nations. I like learning about the different nations.

I think that most of the native Americans that go to the Pow Wow in Charlemont Ma, are from the woodland tribes.

yeah i also think so it is robably true one

Indeed. I hope someday you have the opportunity to visit America and include a powwow in your trip. It is something that everyone should experience at least once.

For many Native dancers their dancing is a prayer.

Children dance, too. They learn early the dances and their meanings.

Yes, the heartbeat of Mother Earth connects with anyone who truly listens. The drums are powerful.
Your grandmother has a special place in her heart for you and you were truly a gift to her. Thank you for honoring your elders. I think this is a terrible loss in the EuroCentric culture, that respect for the elders.
We also have high regard for the dancers and only use cameras when it is permitted. Some of the people didn't understand why they were not permitted to take pictures at certain points in the powwow. Then I hear another spectator explain to them that those times were sacred. If was a great feeling to hear others who respected that.

You trully brought tears to my eyes, thank you for the kind words.
I am in turn teaching my grand children about their ancestory in this regaurd, and also demand their respect, and get it. I am hoping this will continue down the generations. When you have love and repect it will have honor...

Check out powwow schedules on-line. There are bound to be some near enough for you to attend.

Thanks hon. I will definitely do that.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I hope there are powwows close enough that you don't have travel expenses. Most powwows have passes for volunteers that would cover your admission price. It would be a shame if you couldn't attend powwows more often.

Thanks for your condolances,and thanks for telling me about the volunteer passes.I can find pow wow's locally and some a bit farther out.

You should go! Take a chair or blanket to sit on. Buy some frybread. Have a great day.

Thanks. We don't usually plan our trips around them, but when we decide on a time and place we are going we always look to see if any Native American activities are scheduled there.

I've never been to MA. Maybe we should consider it some time. What is the best weather season there?

That depends on what you like for weather. It does get hot here in the summer and can get cool or even cold at night some days of the summer and even the fall times can be warn during the day and cold at night. This is why people say that if you do not like the weather just wait a minute.

Sounds good to me! We have had the hottest summer and the iciest winter this year. something in the middle sounds great.

They can be very moving. There is so much cultural imagery, so much celebration of the sacred. The drum is the heartbeat of Mother Earth and the dancers dance in a sacred manner. They remind us over and over that all things are related.