Contemporary Pow Wows are gatherings of tribal people of all nations and help maintain American Indian Heritage. Special dances to honor birthdays and other events will be performed to encourage participation from the public. Danielle Hornett, associate dean for Cultural Diversity at St. Norbert College, explained that the drumbeat is like a heartbeat that reaches out and connects the dancers to Mother Earth. Wow begins with the Grand Entry. The dancers are led by Eagle staff carriers and Native American veterans, followed by the head male and female dancers.
Dancers move in a clockwise direction, dancing in the style dictated by their dress.
The men lead - Traditional dancers first, then the Grass dancers, followed by Fancy dancers. Women enter in a similar manner. Camcorders and cameras are allowed except when prohibited during special ceremonies such as the ceremony in which a fallen feather is retrieved. The Master of Ceremonies will announce the times when camcorders and cameras are not appropriate. Native American crafts will be sold.