by Aidan Millar-White
Last weekend, Minarets hosted the Chukchansi 2021 Healing Pow Wow in the grass area by the blue tables, an event that hasn't happened since the outbreak of COVID-19.
But many people were wondering what a pow wow is, as some may not have heard of it before. A pow wow is a Native American cultural gathering that focuses on healing. It’s an event where people can celebrate their Indigenous heritage. They bring people together to feast, dance, sing, exchange crafts, and generally have fun. Pow wows originated among the tribes that inhabited the Great Plains from the southern prairies of Canada to the lower plains of Texas.
For senior Jolene Anderson, “It's a cultural gathering, that brings people and causes together. It's healing, social interaction, and getting connected to your Native roots for me.”
Senior Logan Ramirez explained, “A pow wow is a gathering of native Americans / all people it's a place where you can come to get away from drugs and alcohol. This is a place where native Americans can dance whatever style they want and the public is allowed to watch and enjoy.”
When asking Anderson about the history of powwows, she said “From what I know, it's just gatherings. Like before the Indian Religious Freedom Act we weren't allowed to practice these ceremonies or get together in large groups, but that's exactly what a powwow is now.”
According to Ramirez, “The purpose of a pow wow is to enjoy life, to come and have fun without all the drama and terror of the world. It's for Native Americans to remember who they are and connect with mother earth and their culture.”
A typical attendance list consists of those who identified as Native American or Indigenous, as well as those who are curious about Native culture. “Everyone is allowed at a pow wow!!!” Ramirez excitedly stated.
There are many activities at a powwow for people to enjoy. Here are some things Anderson and Ramirez like to do at powwows.
“I don't dance, so for the most part I watch the dancers, go out during intertribal, and shop,” said Anderson.
“When your at a pow wow and your not a dancer, you can do whatever! Walk and eat food, buy all the things that the vendors are selling, and sit and watch the dancers,” Ramirez noted.
Finally, the actual event last weekend. Some weren’t able to go, but are still curious as to what it was like and what happened. How was the powwow?
“I haven't been to a powwow in so long, so to actually go to one, was like therapy. There's something about them, like yeah you can watch videos, but it's so much better to watch them in person,” Anderson concluded.