Finally, the dancing and dance clothing are constantly-evolving representations meant to complement the dancing and singing. This pow-wow was the sixth annual Eastern Great Basin Gathering and was, as most are, dedicated to honoring war veterans, who hold an esteemed place in Native American culture. There are hundreds of pow-wows across the country and in Canada each year. These days, most are 'intertribals,' where members of all tribes are welcome, and Tooele's festival had both local tribes and those from around the West and even the Midwest. Though to the casual observer each song, dance and costume seem basically the same they are in fact separate, distinct and laden with symbolism and symbolic imagery.
Some songs test a dancer's skill by speeding up or taking unexpected breaks or stops.
Others are written to complement a particular dance style, such as the grass or jingle dress. The contesting is regularly broken with intertribal dances to get everyone back on their feet. Most songs follow the same format, sort of like a church hymn. There is a lead, chorus, honor beats, more chorus, and an ending. They are all seated around a single drum that is several feet across.