Some dances and songs were owned by specific societies within tribes and could be performed only by members of the society. The book was published by San Diego State University, San Diego, Ca. The powwow today has changed. While the contemporary powwow is a cultural, ritual, social, and sometimes spiritual gathering of Indian people, it knows no tribal boundaries. Songs and dances that once were sung or danced only by a specific tribe or group are now performed by Indian people from other parts of the country.
Some dancers still ask permission first to borrow or perform a dance however.