Originally powwows took place in the spring to usher in the new beginnings of life. Many times different tribes would come together for the celebration. The tribal nations would settle arguments, form alliances and trade with one another. Early European settlers believed that the term referred to a council or large gathering. As Native Americans learned English, they accepted the term.
Wild west shows.
The modern Oklahoma powwow dates to the late 1870s, when the United States forced Native Americans from the northern plains of Nebraska down into Oklahoma. Many died during the journey, but their songs, dances and ceremonies survived. These shows integrated male powwow dancing into their performances and changed what were previously ceremonial dances into a form of entertainment. The ceremonial nature of the traditional powwows has been blended with newer, performance-oriented activities to produce what has become known as the modern powwow. Although powwows differ from region to region, most of the basic elements are the same.