After a while they become more knowledgeable and, just like the Elder Philip Cardinal did with me, I continue to show them, teach them about ceremonies, how to do family specials, help open the doors for them. Another important job for the arena director is that of cultural ambassador for non-Native visitors. More and more today, non-Natives are attending powwows, people from all over the world. They are told that at certain times their cameras must be put away, their tape recorders turned off when certain ceremonies are being done. I guess they must wonder, especially when everything stops at the powwow to pick up a feather.
All birds drop feathers.
Some people are entitled to pick them up. There are different interpretations as to why they fall. There has to be a prayer. The arena director goes to the fallen feather and guards it until it is picked up. Children, especially, shouldn't pick up feathers.