2 The Master of Ceremonies or MC
The Pow Wow Pow Wows are a critical part of American Indian society. Often the glue that holds a community together helping to maintain continuity in times when increased outside pressures try to force changes that threaten Indian identity. Pow Wows help fulfill social and spiritual functions acting as an arena where people can visit friends and relatives, honor members of the community, celebrate happenings in the community, and take part in dancing, prayers, and rituals helping reinforce traditions and model the culture for the children so that “the people might live.”
While this list is by no means comprehensive, it will give you some guidance as to what you will see and experience at the Pow Wow. The thing to always bear in mind is that Pow Wow is a joyous celebration of Native American culture and tradition. All are welcomed to share in the richness and beauty.
Some of the various components of the Pow Wow include:
The Spiritual Leader It is customary to invite the Spiritual Leader from the tribe to which the land belongs. In Los Angeles, this would be the Tongva (also known as the Gabrielino). The Spiritual Leader blesses the arena and helps fill the spiritual needs of the people.
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The Master of Ceremonies acts as the “host” or voice that presides over the timing of the Pow Wow. The MC is responsible for keeping the Pow Wow moving in an orderly and timely manner. He notifies the dancers, directs the drums in the order and type of song they will play, and makes announcements of general interest to all present.
THE ARENA
The Arena Director
The arena area is blessed by the Spiritual Leader at the onset of the Pow Wow. After the arena is blessed, the arena is sacred ground, and the circle area is reserved for dancers, drums, and ceremony.
The Arena Director directs activities in the arena and helps ensure appropriate behavior. Sometimes the Arena Director is accompanied by a Whip Man who sees that the arena is treated with respect. The Arena Director is equivalent to a Sergeant-At-Arms maintaining order in the arena, ensuring protocol is followed, and assisting the dancers, the MC, Pow Wow officials, and the Head Staff in carrying out the Pow Wow.
Your cooperation in keeping the sacredness of the circle is greatly appreciated. Please also keep your children with you at all times (no running or playing in the arena) and keep the arena entry (the East Gate) clear.
Head Man/Woman Dancer These dancers are chosen to lead the Pow Wow proceedings based on his or her knowledge of dances, protocol, and traditions. Generally, no one else dances until one or both of the Head Dancers begin the particular dance or set of dances.
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