Penn State Public Media - As Long As We Dance: The New Faces of an Ancient People Traditional American Indian Powwow

Grand Entry

The powwow begins with Grand Entry, in which all of the dancers participate. The procession is led by the Eagle staff. The Eagle staff represents our nations, our elders, our way of life. Honored veterans are flag bearers and are followed by Men Traditional, Grass Dancers, and Fancy Dancers, then Women Traditional (first buckskin then cloth dress), Jingle Dancers and Fancy Shawl Dancers, then Children (in roughly the same order). Dancers enter the arena from an opening at the East, dancing in many stylistic variations to the heart-beat of the drum. After the dancers have entered the arena, the flag song is sung. The song honors the Eagle staff and the American flag. After the follow-up song, a prayer is offered by a respected spiritual leader or respected elder. All gatherings are begun with a word of thanks and a prayer to the Creator. After the Eagle staff and the flags have been posted, there is a Victory song to honor all veterans. All veterans – Native and non-Native – can participate in the Veterans Dance. Following the Grand Entry and opening ceremonies are four intertribal dances in which all dancers and powwow guests may participate.