Our Pow Wow celebrates the culture and socializing of American Indians. It 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 located on Route 40, just west of Sharptown in Pilesgrove Township, about 3 miles west of Woodstown in Salem County, NJ, and about 8 miles east of the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
The Basics of Pow Wow Etiquette:
1. Dress and act appropriately. Immodest attire and profanity have no place at 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…. Don’t 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 Powwow 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 Powwows 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 powwow, 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!!!
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