The power of powwows

Niwot Historical Society's Now & Then Lecture Series' latest speaker was Gunbarrel resident Tom Myer, an activist and expert on Native American culture. Before an audience of 40 people at the Left Hand Grange on Oct. 10, Myer introduced his lecture called "What is a Powwow?" accompanied by "hand talk," a form of Plains Indian sign language.

Myer's information-packed and enthusiastic presentation wove together the tragic history of how American Indians have been treated as a way to elucidate why powwows are so powerful in the present day.

Myer, who has a master's degree in linguistics, spoke a few phrases in Cayuga and took the opportunity to point out many Native American words that are already familiar to most people, including "Chautauqua," which is a Mohawk word meaning tied together in the middle.

The word "powwow," Myers explained, was derived from the 17th century Narragansett word "powah," meaning magician. The word has morphed and become more prevalent over time, taking hold in the American vernacular so strongly that by the year 2000 its usage "exploded" as it became offensively appropriated to mean a quick meeting or huddle.

Myer's presentation style of engaging the audience both by asking and answering questions led to a fluid and heartfelt exchange of facts and thoughts. When he asked the audience members what the word "powwow" meant to them, "meeting," "reunion," "gathering" and "ceremony" were called out. While all of those were correct, Myer said, there's some heavy background to be absorbed that helps to put powwows into perspective.

Resistance is the framework of modern powwows, Myer said as he referred to the t-shirt he was wearing with the face of Native American activist Russell Means emblazoned with one word - "resist."

"Everyone wants to talk about the color and pageantry of the celebrations," Myer said, "but every single native person alive today doing powwow or anything else, has had to come through a century or more of having to hide their practices for fear of jail, fines, taking their lands away, taking their kids away, and even asylums."

The history of mistreatment of indigenous people under President Andrew Jackson's Indian Removal Act sets the framework for the importance of powwows. The passage of that law in 1830 set off a human rights crisis as tribes were forced off their land, and in the process, abuse and death ensued. As the population of Indians was gradually consolidated in Oklahoma, the desire to celebrate the good things in life became a cathartic survival tactic.

"The Ponca celebration of 1879 is the very first of what we would consider a modern powwow," Myer said. "It has been going on for 145 years despite all of the things I'm going to tell you about."

Driven by Colorado Senator Henry Teller, in 1883, the Religious Crimes Code was enacted by the U.S. Congress. It included a list of Indian offenses, including dancing, ceremonies, and beadwork. In addition, all traditional Native American practices were punishable under the law. The intent was to strip Native Americans of their so-called "pagan" culture. This movement also included the taking of children from their families and placing them in horrific boarding schools.

The passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978 legalized the ability of indigenous people to be free to partake in their cultural practices.

"So, I'm telling you, powwow is resistance," Myer said.

Modern powwows are social gatherings that often include an invocation blessing, a grand entry ceremony, drumming, social and competitive dances, children's events called Tiny Tots, and fundraising for various causes.

Drumming, singing, and dancing are the three integral parts of a powwow, and Myer showed the audience slides and videos to get a sense of experiencing a powwow.

"Drumming holds it all together," according to Myer. "The drum is a sacred item."

Myer showed the audience photos of powwow participants' traditional clothing, called regalia, describing the pieces from their heads to their feet, and introduced a variety of traditional dances and their meanings.

The audience let out a collective "awww" when a Tiny Tots photo was shown, but Myer cautioned, that while they are cute, the importance of the photo is that they are free and able to practice their traditions, versus the atrocities committed against children in the not too distant past.

Myer concluded the presentation by saying, "I wanted to explain the historical forces that brought everyone together to create the modern powwow, as well the forces that continue to mold and change the powwow as this ceremonial expression."