Please respect the dancers and ask permission before taking pictures.
- The Master of Ceremonies (MC) will provide everyone with instructions, rules, and announcements during the pow wow. The MC will also remind everyone when it is OK to enter into the arena.
- If you want a dancer to pose for you outside the circle, please ask permission first. You must inform the dancer if you are a professional photographer and must get permission if you plan on using the photograph in a future project. It is nice to offer to send the dancer copies.
- If you want to take a photo of the singers or the drum, please ask permission first. You must inform the singers if you are a professional photographer and must get permission if you plan on using the photograph in a future project.
- Please do not sit within the arena. The chairs inside the arena are reserved for the dancers and singers. Use the bleachers and upstairs seating only.
- If you are not wearing traditional regalia, you may dance during social songs, like Intertribals, Two Steps, Blanket Dances, and Honor Songs. The MC will announce proper times for everyone to dance and participate.
- Stand and remove hats (unless traditional head gear) during the Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Invocation, Memorial Songs, Veterans Songs, and Closing Songs.
- Children are invited to dance and participate. Again, please listen for instructions from the MC or ask a Washington University Pow Wow Committee member if you have any questions.
- Dancers’ outfits are personal, traditional, and unique. Please give the dancers and their regalia proper respect.
- If you are asked to dance by an elder, do so. It is disrespectful to decline and say, “I don’t know how.” This is an opportunity to learn more about the dance and culture.
- Alcohol, drugs, and weapons are not allowed.
The pow wow is a time of joyful gathering and the celebration of life. This is a great time to be a part of American Indian culture! If there are any questions, please speak with one of the Washington University Pow Wow Committee members.