CU Boulder Fall Powwow
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are an invaluable part of making the powwow run smoothly. Volunteers are needed to help with check-in, set-up and break-down, traffic management and more, and shifts are three hours long. All volunteers are required to attend a Cultural Orientation Briefing before the event.
CU Boulder Fall 2024 Powwow Information
The modern powwow and many styles of contemporary powwow dancing have their roots in the societies of the Southern and Northern Plains. Over time, these dances, ceremonies and gatherings have evolved from formal, tribal-based ceremonies into modern-day intertribal celebrations of culture, dance, song, crafts, food and pageantry.
Today, powwows are held across the United States and Canada, in small towns and in big cities. These quintessential social gatherings can take place anywhere—from community dance grounds to large arenas and convention centers.
The powwow has become a way that Native American people representing all tribal backgrounds can join to share experiences, reconnect with old friends, and make new ones. It is an opportunity to reflect on time-honored traditions, while helping to educate future generations of dancers and singers.
Emcee
The Master of Ceremonies (MC) is the keeper of all important information and ensures the smooth flow of the event. Pay attention to the MC’s instructions.
Drums
The host drum groups provides the beautiful music heard throughout the powwow. They are central to the event's atmosphere. There will be one Northern Drum Group (Drifting Bull) and One Southern Drum Group (Shield Chief) to represent uniting Native communities.
Head Woman and Man; and Head Young Woman and Young Man Dancers
These highly revered dancers will initiate each song or set of songs, setting the tone for the dancers and the audience.
Sponsoring Group
This is the Tribal groupcommunity responsible for organizing and hosting the Powwow. Their role is crucial in making the event possible. They can be tribes themselves, organizations or individuals, or, in our case, universities.
Spiritual Advisor
This is the person who will welcome all attendees into the space and set a tone of reverence for the day. They will also lead any required spiritual protocols during the powwow as needed.
Powwow Schedule
Saturday, Sept. 28 | Farrand Field
8 a.m. | Vendor set-up
9:30 a.m. | Music performance by Tony Crank
11 a.m. | Grand Entry
- Invocation
- Flag Song
- Victory Song
11:45 a.m. | Welcoming by Spiritual Advisor and Vice Chancellor for Native American and Indigenous Affairs Benny Shendo, two rounds of intertribals
12:30 p.m. | Dance Contests Begin, Tiny Tots Combined
1 p.m. | Jr. Dance Categories
- Jr. Girl’s Traditional
- Jr. Girls Jingle
- Jr. Girl’s Fancy
- Jr. Boy’s Traditional
- Jr. Boy’s Grass
- Jr. Boy’s Fancy
2 p.m. | Round of Intertribals
- Teen Dance Categories (two songs)
- Teen Girl’s Traditional
- Teen Girl’s Jingle
- Teen Girl’s Fancy
- Teen Boy’s Traditional
- Teen Boy’s Grass
- Teen Boy’s Fancy
3 p.m. | Two Rounds of Intertribals
- Golden Age Combined Categories
- Golden Age Women’s Combined
- Golden Age Men’s Combined
3:30 p.m. | Introduction of CU Students, Alumni
4 p.m. | Two Rounds of Intertribals
4:45 p.m. | Adult Division (two songs)
- Women’s Traditional
- Women’s Jingle
- Women’s Fancy
- Men’s Chicken
- Men’s Traditional
- Men’s Grass
- Men’s Fancy
5:45 p.m. | Round of Intertribals
6:30 p.m. | Post colors and announcement of competition winners
7 p.m. | Powwow concludes
Etiquette
Listen to the Master of Ceremonies (MC): The MC coordinates the powwow, guiding when and who will dance, and when spectators may participate. Always enter and exit the arena through designated “doors,” and never cross through the arena itself.
Seating is usually provided with bleachers or hay bales, but you may bring your own chairs. Avoid sitting inside the arena; those chairs are reserved for dancers and singers. Spectators should use the outside circle or bleachers.
Dancers’ Regalia: Regalia refers to traditional dance attire and is not to be touched or called a "costume." Each piece is often a family heirloom, carefully crafted over years, and holds significant cultural and personal value. Pay particular respect to feathers, which are sacred.
Eagle Feathers: Eagle feathers are deeply sacred. If you see a feather fall from a dancer’s regalia, do not pick it up or take a photo. Instead, notify the MC or the Powwow Host immediately.
Drum Area: Only those invited by the Lead Singer should sit at the drum. Keep children away from this area out of respect.
Stand and remove your hat during the Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Invocation, Memorial, Veterans Songs and the Closing Song: All attendees should stand. Men should remove their hats unless they are wearing traditional headgear with eagle feathers.
Dancing: Non-dancers can join in during social songs, such as Two-Step, Inter-Tribals, Blanket Dance and Honoring Songs. Inter-Tribals are open to everyone, regardless of tribal affiliation, and are great for first timers. Children should only enter the dance circle if they are participating in the dance.
No Alcohol, Drugs or Pets: Powwows are alcohol and drug-free events, centered on celebrating life. Pets are also not allowed, to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees.
Trash Disposal: Respect Mother Earth by ensuring all trash is disposed of properly in the provided trash cans. Avoid littering to honor the Native culture's deep connection to the environment.
Photography
When photographing a powwow, it’s essential to approach the event with respect and cultural sensitivity. Please refrain from taking photos during prayers, flag songs, ceremonies or any time the Master of Ceremonies has explicitly prohibited photography. These moments hold deep cultural and spiritual significance.
If you wish to photograph a dancer, always ask for their permission first, especially when it comes to their regalia. Many dancers invest countless hours in creating intricate beadwork and designs, which carry personal and cultural meaning. Some dancers may prefer not to have their regalia photographed to protect its uniqueness and prevent others from replicating their designs.
Additionally, if you intend to sell your images, please contact the Powwow Committee ahead of time to discuss proper protocols and obtain signed model releases from the dancers and participants.