• Be ready to line up for Grand Entry when the MC requests it.  The Committee is doing their best to have the event run smoothly and would appreciate your help in this regard.  The Master of Ceremony will announce several times prior to Grand Entry for Veterans and Dancers to gather at the East entry.
  

• Appropriate dress is required.  You must wear moccasins or shoes in the ring for safety reasons whether your tribal ancestors danced barefoot or not.  Women you need to wear sleeves or a blanket around your arms, if not in dance clothes.

• Arena benches are reserved for dancers.  If you see a blanket spread across the bench, respect that an Elder or dancer will be sitting there.  Do not move or touch other people’s belongs.  Do not sit on another’s blanket unless they invite you.

• Listen to the Master of Ceremonies.  The MC will tell you when pictures are allowed to be taken, who is to dance and when, and when to stand for Honor Songs.
  

• Respect the Head Man and Woman dancers.  Their position entitles them to lead every dance.  They will enter the dance arena first and you may enter afterwards.  Do not pass the Head Man dancer and Head Woman dancer; they are leading the procession around the circle.
  

• Never cut across the arena or enter underneath the ropes.  Always enter from the East and at the appropriate time.

• During the Flag and Honor songs, please remain standing until the MC says it is ok to sit again.  Please remove your hat unless you have a raptor feather attached to it and are authorized to wear it.  Special attention  is given to Elders and  those with special needs.

• Listen to the MC for instructions.  He will guide you against making a cultural taboo.

• Powwows are non-profit and depend on donations, raffles, blanket dances, silent auctions, etc for sponsorship.   Support your Powwow Committee and purchase raffle tickets, donate to the blanket, or drop a donation in the powwow committee jar located (usually) by the silent auction.

• Giveaways show Indian generosity and are held in place of a dance. 
  

• They show appreciation to the receivers and this is an honor. The recipient thanks everyone who was involved with giving him/her the gift.  NOTE:   Please coordinate with the Master of Ceremonies all special honors and Giveaways. It is traditional to make a monetary gift to the Drum for this request also.  Again, clear this through the MC.

• The Drums are sometimes Closed.  Check before you stand to sing with them. 

• Take a chair, sunscreen, umbrella or blanket with you.  Not all powwows will have public seating.

• Photos are allowed WITH permission.  Some people do not like their photos taken for what ever reason.  Respect this.  Group photos are USUALLY alright to take, please ask the committee or MC if in doubt.

• IF IN DOUBT OF A PROCEDURE, ETIQUETTE, OR TRADITION, PLEASE CHECK WITH THE MC, ARENA DIRECTOR, OR HEAD VETERAN TO HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

• Different areas reflect different traditions.  As you travel the powwow trail, remember different is not wrong, just different.  Respect the individuality of the tradition you are visiting.

• NO DRUGS or ALCOHOL will be tolerated.

**  For more information on the how-to’s of the powwow, please visit:  www.powwows.com and check out their forums.