This is a time to renew thoughts of the old ways and to preserve a rich heritage.

There are several different stories of how the PowWow was started. Some believe that the war dance societies of the Poncha and other Southern Plains tribes were the origin of the PowWow.

Another belief is that when the Native Americans were forced onto reservations the government also forced them to have dances for the public to come and see. Before each dance they were lead through the town in a parade, which is the beginning of the Grand Entry.

PowWow singers are very important figures in the Native American culture. Without them there would be no dancing. The songs are of many varieties, from religious to war to social. There is a head singer selected who must know all the songs to be sung.

As various tribes gathered together, they would share their songs, often changing the songs so singers of different tribes could join. With these changes came the use of "vocables" to replace the words of the old songs. Thus, some songs today are sung in vocables with no words.

Yet they still hold special meaning to those who know the song. Many songs are still sung in native tongue either newly composed or revivals of old songs. These songs are reminders to the Indian people of their old ways and rich heritage.

The drum is much more than a musical instrument to the Indian. It is sacred, it is a very tie to the traditional Indian way of life. It should be cared for in a certain prescribed manner. All singers must know the strict and exacting protocol to be observed while seated at the drum. You may note that singers observe strict drum etiquette.

The drum sets the rhythm of the dance and tempo of the song. There are two types of drums used at most powwows. One is a traditional drum, made by stretching hides over a frame, and, lacing the hides together with leather raw hide thong. The other kind is more common, a regular band bass drum, both drums are accorded the highest respect by all tribes as a most important part of any powwow.

Dances have always been a very important part of the life of the American Indian. Most dances seen at PowWows today are social dances which might have had different meanings in earlier days. Although dance styles and content have changed, their meaning and importance has not. The outfits worn by the dancers, like the styles of clothing today evolve over time, it is not a stagnant culture, but a vibrant and changing way of life.

The PowWow begins by the Grand Entry. This is the entry of all the people entering the arena. During this everyone is asked to stand as the flags are brought into the arena. The flags carried generally include the U.S. flag, tribal flags, POW flag, and eagle staffs of various tribes present. These are usually carried by veterans. Native Americans hold the United States flag in an honored position. The flag has a dual meaning. It is the symbol of the United States which Native Americans are now a part and it also reminds people of those who have fought for this country.