Stockton Labor Day PowWow

Article Archive

"Spirit of Preservation" Labor Day 2007
Labor Day PowWow [held Sep. 1 – 3, 2006]
Winter Benefit PowWow [held February 18, 2006]
“Sacred Runner Also Helping Run PowWow” Feb. 14. 2006
Winter PowWow 2006 poster

The History and Meaning of PowWow
    The PowWow represents a social and cultural experience for the Native American Indian. In times past, friends
gathered at the PowWow to speak of recent achievements, to share their good fortune, and to thank the Creator who enlightened their everyday life. Throughout the generations American Indians persevere to maintain the path directed by their ancestors.

    The Intertribal PowWow of today is a gathering that resurges that same spirit within a multitribal community. Grand Entry starts the PowWow with all dancers wearing their tribal regalia. Flag bearers, usually a veteran with a U.S. flag and an elder carries the American Indian flag (staff). Grand Entry proceeds under the direction of the Host Drum, honoring the flag song. At this time    everyone is asked to stand to show respect and remain standing for the Gathering Prayer. The host drum then sings an intertribal song where everyone is invited to dance.

    As the gathering progresses, many ceremonies may be recognized. There may be an honor dance, dedicated to a person or a family from the community for whom an honor is due. A family may "Come Out" and have a "Give Away" thereby shares an event that has somehow marked their lives in the past year.

    Various dances that will be observed include intertribal Traditional dances, round dances, two step, and many more which are lead by the head dance staff.