HILO INTER-TRIBAL POWWOW
Etiquette
Home Page
Staff
Guests
Support
Travel & Lodging
FAQs
Schedule
Location
Map,
Hilo information
Huaka`i
Cultural
Excursion
Cultural Connections
If you're Indian, you
might be Hawaiian!
Facebook
Come join the fun!
In the Media
Hilo Inter-tribal
Powwow
articles and videos
Rock on the Rock
Annual fundraiser
Answers to
Frequently Asked Questions:
◊ May I take photographs or videos at the powwow? Yes, you may take photographs at the powwow if you have permission from the people you wish to photograph. If you wish to take photographs of crafts, be sure to get permission first. Please read The Four "B"s of Powwow Photography at the right.
◊ Where is the beer garden? Sorry, no beer garden. Alcohol and other drugs are not allowed. Anyone found under the influence of, or in the possession of them will immediately be escorted off the powwow grounds. However, we do highly recommend enjoying the incredible beauty of Wailoa, and participating in the social dances for an amazing natural high!
◊ May I burn my own sage? Not on powwow grounds. By the time the Hilo Inter-Tribal Powwow opens, the grounds and the dance circle already have been blessed by both a Native Hawaiian and a Native American cultural practitioner. Additional burning of sage is unnecessary and inappropriate, and is also a violation of the fire code.
◊ May I bring my dog? Pets are not allowed on the powwow grounds. Not even Uncle's favorite chicken. The exception is registered working service animals in harness. This is a state regulation.
◊ I'm disabled. Can I still come to the powwow? Yes! Wailoa Park is ADA compliant, and if you need an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies and procedures to participate in this event, contact Liz De Roche at info@hilopowwow.com or 808-557-8607 By May 15th.
◊ Are there activities for children? Yes, the powwow has some wonderful activities for children. Start with the Children's Lodge. Children may also participate with their parents or other supervising adult in the social dances as long as they observe proper etiquette. Keep your children under control. Do not let them play in the dance arena. Please teach them to "look with the eyes, not with the hands" regarding regalia, craft items, and vendor booths.
◊
Can anyone dance? Anyone who is dressed respectfully may dance in
the social dances. No bare midriffs, low cut tops or short shorts for
women and no bare chests for men. If you wouldn’t wear it to church
don’t wear it in the arena. Inappropriately attired persons will be
asked to leave the dance arena by the Arena Director.
◊ What is the big cleared circle between the tents for? The
cleared circle is the dance circle, also known as the dance arbor, or
the dance arena. It is blessed prior to the powwow and should be treated
with respect. Walk around it, not across it, to get to the other side.
Keep your children out of the dance arena unless they are dancers.
◊ How do I know what's going on? Listen to the Master
of Ceremonies. He will explain what is taking place, when spectators
can participate, when to stand and when not to take photographs. Stand
for the Grand Entry, Flag Song, and Veteran’s Song and any time the
Master of Ceremonies requests. Men should remove their hats unless they
have an Eagle feather on them.
◊ Where can I buy one of the costumes? Those outfits
are spectacular, aren't they? But, they are not "costumes." A costume is
something you wear so you can pretend to be someone else. Dancers' and
cultural practitioners' regalia is symbolic of who they really are. In
many cases various elements of the regalia are made by the
dancer/practitioner or someone who cares deeply for him or her. The
right to wear the various elements must be earned. Please do not touch
dancers, practitioners, or their regalia. Much of it has spiritual
connotations and handling it requires specific protocol. Also, a
dancer’s regalia is fragile, costly and easily damaged. Children are
often fascinated with the feathers and beads. Please tell them to look
with their eyes not their hands.
◊ Why do the crafts cost so much? Once people understand that they are hand-crafted traditional works of art, rather than mass-produced in sweat shops, the question becomes, "How can you afford to charge so LITTLE?" The crafts at the Hilo Inter-Tribal Powwow Artisan’s Market are made by Native American, First Nations, Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian artisans who have spent many years mastering their craft. The craft fair administrators work diligently to assure that the artisans and crafters maintain high standards of provenance integrity and of quality. Many of the craftspeople continue to live a traditional lifestyle, and are not set up to take bank cards. Please plan to have cash for your purchases. Don’t demean craftspeople or yourself by bartering with them. Long hours are put into their arts and crafts. Please be careful handling merchandise and do watch your children. Remember the old adage “If you break it, you bought it!”
THE FOUR "B"s OF POWWOW PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDING
Be considerate. Some people do not wish to be photographed or video taped. Consider the privacy of the individual, and ask permission before you record them on film or tape. This includes spectators and crafts people as well as dancers and singers.
Be courteous. If you intend to use your work for commercial purposes please tell the individual. Be sure to get a signed model release. Offer the subject a copy of your work.
Be polite. Do not block the view of other spectators.
Be respectful. Do not enter the dance arena to film or photograph.
Dancer Joe Hacker and sons
POWWOW
ETIQUETTE
Everyone is welcome to attend a Powwow. It
is a wonderful way to learn more about Native
American culture. Above anything else, powwows
are social events, a time to see old friends and
meet new ones. Don't be afraid to ask questions
and engage in conversation with vendors,
dancers, singers and other powwow participants.
For those of you attending your first
powwow, here are some rules and guidelines to
make it more enjoyable:
◊ Remember you are a guest at the Powwow and
should conduct yourself as such. Be respectful
of the traditions and customs. If you are a
dancer, honor the protocol of the host group.
◊ Show respect for elders, dancers, and
drummers. Give them priority in line at
restrooms, food line, etc.
◊ Chairs placed around the dance arena are reserved for dancers, elders and their families. Please feel free to bring your own chairs, towels, blankets, or mats to sit on. Everyone wants to see, so be careful not to block the view of those behind you!
◊ Respect Mother Earth. Put your trash in the
proper containers - trash cans and recycle bins.
Learn more about recycling on Hawai`i Island
here:
Recycle Hawai`i.
◊ Powwow committees are not responsible for
accidents, theft, or short-funded travelers.
Copyright 2010, Federation of American Natives. All rights reserved.