A thanksgiving or welcoming address spoken by a respected Elder greets the dancers and visitors. Michigan A drum is the heartbeat not only of a powwow, but of all the First Nations. Among Ojibwe nations, it is explained that the Creator's first thoughts, represented by a shimmering sound, were answered by this heartbeat that came from the earth as it was being formed. Before singing, many drummers place tobacco on the drum head as a thanksgiving for the Creator. For the competitions, dancers are grouped into six categories based on their age, gender and dance style.
Every category has a specific dance step and outfit.
There is so much going on at a powwow. You get together with family and friends, watch or take part in the dancing, eat some frybread and try out the Indian Tacos, find beadwork and other items for your powwow outfit, or perhaps see a horseshoe toss or baseball game. All the judging is completed by evening the next day, as families pack up and head for home.