Saturday, April 24, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
What is a Pow Wow ?
Pow Wow time is the Native American people's way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and make new ones.
This is a time to renew thought of the old ways and to preserve a rich heritage.
There are several different stories of how the Pow Wow was started. Some believe that the war dance societies of the Ponca and other Southern Plains tribes were the origin of the Pow Wow.
Another belief is that when the Native Americans were forced onto reservations the government also forced them to have dances for the public to come and see. Before each dance they were lead through the town in a parade, which is the beginning of the Grand Entry.
Pow Wow singers are very important figures in the Native American culture. Without them there would be no dancing. The songs are of many varieties, from religious to war to social.
As various tribes gathered together, they would share their songs, often changing the songs so singers of different tribes could join. With these changes came the use of "vocables" to replace the words of the old songs. Thus, some songs today are sung in vocables with no words.
Yet they still hold special meaning to those who know the song. Many songs are still sung in native tongue either newly composed or revivals of old songs. These songs are reminders to the Indian people of their old ways and rich heritage.
Dancers have always been a very important part of the life of the American Indian. Most dancers seen at Pow Wows today are social dances which might have had different meanings in earlier days. Although dance styles and content have changed, their meaning and importance has not. The outfits worn by the dancers, like the styles of clothing today evolve over time, it is not a stagnant culture, but a vibrant and changing way of life.
Pow Wow are organized by committees that work for weeks before the event. At the Pow Wow, the MC runs the events. The MC works with the Arena Director to keep the Pow Wow organized and running smoothly. These two individuals along with the committee work hard to bring the people together to dance and fellowship together in the circle.
The Pow Wow begins by the Grand Entry. This is the entry of all the people entering the arena. This originally was a parade through the town the Pow Wow was in. Even today in some Pow Wows, these parades are still held. During the Grand Entry, everyone is asked to stand as the flags are brought into the arena. The flags carried generally include the US flag, tribal flags, POW flag, and eagle staffs of various tribes present. These are usually carried by veterans. Native Americans hold the United States flag in an honored position despite the horrible treatment received from this country. The flag has a dual meaning. First it is a way to remember all of the ancestors that fought against this country. It is also the symbol of the United States which Native Americans are now a part. The flag here also reminds people of those people who have fought for this country.
Following the veterans are other important guests of the Pow Wow including tribal chiefs, Princesses, elders, and Pow Wow organizers. Next in line are the men dancers. The men are followed by the women dancers. Once everyone is in the arena, the song ends and a song is sung to honor the flag and the veterans. After a prayer, the dancing resumes, usually with a few Round Dances. After the Round Dances, intertribal dancing songs are sung and everyone dances to the beat of the drum.
Article from Paul G. (Powwows.com)
This is a time to renew thought of the old ways and to preserve a rich heritage.
There are several different stories of how the Pow Wow was started. Some believe that the war dance societies of the Ponca and other Southern Plains tribes were the origin of the Pow Wow.
Another belief is that when the Native Americans were forced onto reservations the government also forced them to have dances for the public to come and see. Before each dance they were lead through the town in a parade, which is the beginning of the Grand Entry.
Pow Wow singers are very important figures in the Native American culture. Without them there would be no dancing. The songs are of many varieties, from religious to war to social.
As various tribes gathered together, they would share their songs, often changing the songs so singers of different tribes could join. With these changes came the use of "vocables" to replace the words of the old songs. Thus, some songs today are sung in vocables with no words.
Yet they still hold special meaning to those who know the song. Many songs are still sung in native tongue either newly composed or revivals of old songs. These songs are reminders to the Indian people of their old ways and rich heritage.
Dancers have always been a very important part of the life of the American Indian. Most dancers seen at Pow Wows today are social dances which might have had different meanings in earlier days. Although dance styles and content have changed, their meaning and importance has not. The outfits worn by the dancers, like the styles of clothing today evolve over time, it is not a stagnant culture, but a vibrant and changing way of life.
Pow Wow are organized by committees that work for weeks before the event. At the Pow Wow, the MC runs the events. The MC works with the Arena Director to keep the Pow Wow organized and running smoothly. These two individuals along with the committee work hard to bring the people together to dance and fellowship together in the circle.
The Pow Wow begins by the Grand Entry. This is the entry of all the people entering the arena. This originally was a parade through the town the Pow Wow was in. Even today in some Pow Wows, these parades are still held. During the Grand Entry, everyone is asked to stand as the flags are brought into the arena. The flags carried generally include the US flag, tribal flags, POW flag, and eagle staffs of various tribes present. These are usually carried by veterans. Native Americans hold the United States flag in an honored position despite the horrible treatment received from this country. The flag has a dual meaning. First it is a way to remember all of the ancestors that fought against this country. It is also the symbol of the United States which Native Americans are now a part. The flag here also reminds people of those people who have fought for this country.
Following the veterans are other important guests of the Pow Wow including tribal chiefs, Princesses, elders, and Pow Wow organizers. Next in line are the men dancers. The men are followed by the women dancers. Once everyone is in the arena, the song ends and a song is sung to honor the flag and the veterans. After a prayer, the dancing resumes, usually with a few Round Dances. After the Round Dances, intertribal dancing songs are sung and everyone dances to the beat of the drum.
Article from Paul G. (Powwows.com)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Horse Spirit in the Wilderness
Whether you are an expert horseback rider or a beginner: you'll learn packing techniques, map orienteering and wilderness hoof care, while listening to Joe's stories about The Buffalo soldiers, miners and Pueblo Indians who frequented these remote woods in centuries past.
Horse Spirit in the Wilderness
With an Apache Perspective
April 15 - April 17 , 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Gila Wilderness
Pristine mountains, forest, rangeland and protected desert; this is the Gila National Forest.
This area is fascinating for its changing landscape; you pass through steep mountains and luscious forests of Spruce, Douglas fir, Aspens, Oaks and Cactus. And suddenly you are in a rich plain where pronghorn are grazing. The hot Springs are extremely pleasant and so welcome after a long day of hiking and discovery!
Gila was the first US wilderness area, established in 1924.
The Gila Mountains and forest were home to the Chiricahua Apache people. Legendary leader Geronimo was born in the 1820's by the Gila River, and with other Apache leaders, the Chiricahua Apaches joined forces to drive all intruders out of their lands.
Gila forest is also well known for the Cliff dwellings built by the Mogollon people during the 13th century (see did you know?)
Mogollon people were hunters and farmers. Many rooms of the cliff dwellings were used for food storage, and are found at the deeper end of the cliff dwellings.
Gila National Forest, is a paradise for horseback riding, with its thousands of unspoiled mountains and forest. And I strongly suggest that you experience it from an Apache perspective, with a Native American guide extensively experienced in horseback riding and backpacking expeditions.
If you want to visit off the beaten path and be surrounded by stunning landscapes, history, and have an opportunity to learn about Native American culture, come to this beautiful area. Gila National Forest is located in the Southwest of New Mexico, and is one of the wonders of this "land of enchantment!"
This area is fascinating for its changing landscape; you pass through steep mountains and luscious forests of Spruce, Douglas fir, Aspens, Oaks and Cactus. And suddenly you are in a rich plain where pronghorn are grazing. The hot Springs are extremely pleasant and so welcome after a long day of hiking and discovery!
Gila was the first US wilderness area, established in 1924.
The Gila Mountains and forest were home to the Chiricahua Apache people. Legendary leader Geronimo was born in the 1820's by the Gila River, and with other Apache leaders, the Chiricahua Apaches joined forces to drive all intruders out of their lands.
Gila forest is also well known for the Cliff dwellings built by the Mogollon people during the 13th century (see did you know?)
Mogollon people were hunters and farmers. Many rooms of the cliff dwellings were used for food storage, and are found at the deeper end of the cliff dwellings.
Gila National Forest, is a paradise for horseback riding, with its thousands of unspoiled mountains and forest. And I strongly suggest that you experience it from an Apache perspective, with a Native American guide extensively experienced in horseback riding and backpacking expeditions.
If you want to visit off the beaten path and be surrounded by stunning landscapes, history, and have an opportunity to learn about Native American culture, come to this beautiful area. Gila National Forest is located in the Southwest of New Mexico, and is one of the wonders of this "land of enchantment!"
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