Lenni-Lenape Tribal Pow-wow
Join Friends in celebrating the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation’s42nd Annual Public Pow-wow
 “What is a Pow-wow? A Pow-wow is a Native American festival where nations from throughout the continent gather to a hosting nation’s land and share in celebration through singing and dancing. We take the opportunity to educate and provide entertainment for the public. Dancers and singers compete in multiple categories of different ages and dance styles. There are a number of food and craft vendors selling Native American cuisine and art. A Pow-wow is a “living event” and not a “reenactment.” Public Pow-wows invite non-American Indian people to learn and enjoy the celebration, while also respecting the culture. The Pow-Wow is held at the Salem County Fairgrounds (735 Harding Hwy, Woodstown, NJ 08098), every second weekend of June (upcoming June 10th & 11th, 2023) The Basics of Pow-wow Etiquette: 1. Dress and act appropriately. Immodest attire and profanity have no place in Pow- wows. Smoking near the Arena is considered disrespectful. Alcohol, recreational drugs, and firearms are prohibited. 2. Respect the special seating reserved for dancers in regalia, elders, and those with disabilities. Seats with blankets, shawls, or regalia items on them are taken and should not be bothered. Unless you are sure spectator seating will be provided for the public, bring a chair. 3. Spectators should never enter the circle / dance arena until those times when all spectators are invited. Treat the arena as “holy ground.” 4. Respect Mother Earth…. Do not Litter… Put trash in a trash can. 5. Listen to the Master of Ceremonies. He will announce who is to dance and when. He will also inform spectators of proper protocol. Some dances are open to the public. 6. Do not touch a drum or sit at a drum without permission. Ask permission from the Head singer. 7. The Pow-wow committee reserves the right to require tribal identification cards from competition dancers. No one is permitted to compete without registering. 8. The traditional outfits worn by American Indians are not “costumes;” they are “regalia.” Regalia is an expression of spirit and has been prayed over and blessed. Honor it, the person wearing it, and the living history it represents. Do not touch anyone’s regalia without their permission. 9. Tribal Pow-wows are not an outlet for the non-American Indian spectators to “play Indian.” Spectators should NOT be dressed in regalia. This is not a costume party. It is a celebration that respects the ancestors and the ways of American Indian People. 10. Tape recording of the drums should be done only after asking the drum group. Video recording should be only for personal use, unless by previous arrangement with the staff. 11. At any given pow-wow, you will find a wide array of Indian arts, handmade crafts, and jewelry for sale. Some may not accept checks, so it is a good idea to have cash on hand. Please use care when handling merchandise, and please watch your children! 12. HAVE A GREAT TIME!!! MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND WONDERFUL MEMORIES!!!” For updates, see the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape website https://nlltribe.com/annual-pow-wow-before-import/ Flyer extracts posted by the Salem Quarter Indian Affairs Committee – https://www.salemquarter.net/iac/ |
Leave a Reply