POWWOW
A Powwow is a specific event where both First Nations and non-First Nations people meet to dance, sing, socialize, and honour the Blackfoot culture. Powwow dancing involved two types of dancing, intertribal (social dances) and competition dancing. When intertribal songs are sung, all dance styles, all ages and genders participate. First Nations as well as non-First Nation are allowed to dance in the arbor. A popular dance for non- First Nations during an intertribal dance is the Round dance. It is an easy dance to follow, everyone joins hands forming a big circle moving clockwise. If there are many people participating, another circle is formed inside the first circle that moves in the opposite direction. The Round dance is a simple and fun activity that brings both cultures together in a positive interaction. There is generally a dancing competition, often with a significant amount of prize money awarded. Pow-wows vary in length from one day session of 5 to 6 hours to three days. Major pow-wows or pow-wows called for a special occasion can be up to one week long.