Pow wows play a significant role in Indigenous culture, featuring traditional dancing, drumming, and singing. Each one has a different meaning for each tribe. However, traditional aspects remain the center of each one, connecting not only tribal members but also indigenous people from around the world.
As tribes in the Siouxland area enter powwow season, I spoke with two tribal members about the importance of powwows. They told me their favorite part about powwows and the meanings of singing and drumming.
First we hear Calvin Harlan, an Omaha tribal member who has served in multiple roles for powwows. He is followed by Jeffery Berridge, a Winnebago tribal member who is the chairman of this year’s homecoming celebration.
That was Jeffery Berridge explaining the meaning of the powwow circle. We heard from Calvin Harlan and Jeffery Berridge, tribal members from the area, talking about the importance of powwows, the meanings of the drums, singing, and dancing. The Winnebago homecoming celebration powwow began Thursday and runs through Sunday.
