PaWa Tribe
"Pow Wow Origins"
(copied from http://www.morongocasinoresort.com/pow_whatis.cfm)
Pow Wows are celebrations of Native
American culture and heritage. Originally, they were held in the
spring to welcome the new beginnings of life. It was a time when
people gathered together to visit with family, to sing, dance,
gamble and to renew old friendships and make new ones. In this
setting, young people had the opportunity to meet and court.
In the old days, “Pow Wows” had religious significance
as well. Families held their naming and honoring ceremonies
during these times. For mid-western tribes, the celebration was
also a prayer to the one called in Lakota language Wakan Tanka
the Great Mystery or Great Spirit. According to some historians,
the word “Pow Wow” comes from the Algonquin
tribe’s language for a meeting of medicine men or spiritual
leaders. In the Algonquin tradition, Pow Wows were held for
healing and success in hunting and battle.
Other historians believe “Pow Wow” is an Anglo-Saxon
interpretation derived from the Massachusett Indian word
“pauwau”, which referred to tribal and family councils
held for decision-making and dispute resolution.
In colonial America, white settlers misapplied the word “Pow
Wow” to any gathering of Indian people. During the late 1800’s
and early 1900’s, the United States government attempted to
repress native culture and traditions. Many non-Indians believed
that Indian culture had to be destroyed because it was the
complete opposite of what they saw as “civilization.”
As East Coast tribes were moved further westward across the
United States, through the government policy of relocation, their
customs spread to other tribes with whom they came in contact.
Gatherings of Indian peoples began to reflect the traditions and
celebrations of a number of tribes.
This website was created in fun and in no way is meant to offend any Native Americans. We have the utmost respect for Native American history and try to pass along many of the legends, customs, and folkways to our children and grandchildren.