POW WOW

According to the introduction made by the announcer at the Pow wow this weekend, “The Annual Meskwaki Powwow originated from the traditional religious and social beliefs of the Meskwaki Tribe. Today it's not so much a religious event, but more of a social gathering. Specifically, today's event is derived from the "Green Corn Dance" and other social events of the tribe in its early years. The "Green Corn Dance" was an annual event that took place during the harvesting of crops.”

From 1902 to 1912, “Field Days” lasted about a week with dancing, games, and horse racing. In 1912, it was determined to change the name from Field Days to Pow Wow. 1913 was the year of the first public pow wow in Tama. Where the name Pow Wow came from is uncertain. It is thought it is derived from the Algonquin word “Powwaw” or other similar terms such as “Pau Wau” loosely meaning ceremony or meeting. Others think it is a white man term!

By 1913 the Pow wow made $1,700 for the tribe; 1914 earned them $2,000. The pow wow continued to grow when the Lincoln Highway was paved near the Settlement in 1918.

In February, 1923, the Commissioner of The Office of Indian Affairs sent a letter to all nations and tribes instituting a ‘no-dance’ policy. The letter read in part: “Not long ago I held a meeting of Superintendents, Missionaries and Indians, at which the feeling of those present was strong against Indian dances, as they are usually given, and against so much time as is often spent by the Indians in a display of their old customs at public gatherings held by the whites. From the views of this meeting and from other information I feel that something must be done to stop the neglect of stock, crops, gardens, and home interests caused by these dances or by celebrations, pow-wows, and gatherings of any kind that take the time of the Indians for many days.”

Veterans are highly regarded in the Native American Culture. During the Grand Entry, veterans or soldiers carry the flags and eagle staffs. They are followed by the head dancers, with the remaining dancers entering in order: Men's Traditional, Men's Grass Dance, Men's Fancy, Women's Traditional, Women's Jingle, and Women's Fancy. The young dancers then follow in the same order.

Every tribe has its own flag or staff and song. Traditionally, the tribes relied on art/design and totems to distinguish themselves from one another. Many tribes use the more traditional curved staff (similar to a shepherd's crook) with fabric along the length of the staff and feathers attached to both the crook of the staff and the fabric. The flag of the Mesquakie Nation is a simple bicolor of green over red. The bicolor invokes the idea that the two Nations (Sac and Fox) have come together as one people.

Following the Grand Entry, the host drummers and singers sing the Flag Song, comparable to the National Anthem, and a prayer is offered. Throughout native culture, songs have been sung honoring the action of their warriors. This tradition continues today with the singing of a Victory or Veterans' Song during the posting of the flags and staffs.