Going to Powwows, it was a sober event, and the more I went to Powwows the more I liked it. I let go of the alcohol and drug abuse by gong to Powwows. And that's why I've always been real thankful that I found my way back. For many people revisiting traditional ways has been an important tool. Finding a healthy sense of self and community can greatly help recovering people.
Powwows naturally provide such opportunities.
Here is a place where it is safe and encouraged to be an Indian person, where the traditional and modern ways and values intermingle and American Indian people can celebrate their identity openly with pride. Walter LaBatt, a Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota dancer, drum maker and artist explains his story. But I would see some of those Powwow people, how their lives had changed through going the traditional way. Without having to put something in your body to feel good. But there was something lacking, something lacking inside.