Editor Pick
10th Annual Intertribal Pow Wow
- September 8, 2000
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Casual Tourist from Enterprise, Kansas
Authentic Native American Pow Wows are held in Topeka several times a year. Speaking for myself, I went to the pow wow with several preconceived notions. I expected to find teepees set up around the park and Native Americans in full Indian dress. Images abounded in my mind of Hollywood scenes with Natives dancing around a large bonfire in a circle of teepees.
This was not what I found, however. There was one teepee in a camping area nearby, but the majority of tents were standard tents that most of us use for camping or outdoor shelters.
As far as 'authentic' Native American dress, there were several individuals wearing what my mind judged to be authentic costumes. Many of the other individuals, however, wore a mix of modern clothing and traditional dress. There was a part of me that was a little disappointed that what I had expected was not in fact what was. But then, there was another part of me that was anxious to learn how things really are for Native Americans in today's society and how they really celebrate their Pow Wows.
My husband and I were both surprised to find that the event had an entry fee of $6.00 per person. We had assumed because it was being held in a public park that it was open to the public free of charge. The event was worth the gate charge considering the knowledge we gained and the pleasurable afternoon and evening we spent at the Pow Wow.
From journal Dancing, Gambling and American Indians