This local Pow Wow has become a family tradition. This year, my Onondaga daughter was with us. Some of the Iroquois from Syracuse were there selling traditional crafts and corn soup and fry bread. The drumming filled the air, as well as the ethereal sound of the flute.
I loved that they use all the parts of the animals including the dried tendons as strong tying material. Skins were for sale and dancing sticks with skins, and bells were made by the visiting children. Natives and non-natives alike are welcomed into the circle to dance after being smudged with smoke as a purifying act.
This Pow Wow is small in contrast to much larger ones in Arizona and New Mexico. But looking back, those seem much more commercial, while this has a feeling and spirit of authenticity.
One of the vendors had copies of “Native American Code of Ethics” which listed 20 items. I decided to choose a few for you to see.
1. Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone, pray often. The Great Spirit will listen, if only you speak.
2. All persons make mistakes. And mistakes can be forgiven.
3. Nature is not FOR us, it is a PART of us. Nature is part of your worldly family.
4. Share your good fortune with others. Participate in charity.
http://www.news10.com/story/23365657/pow-wow-in-east-greenbush
pictures from public domain
Have you been to a Pow Wow or some similar ethic festival?
TalesAlongTheWay 
🙂 Enjoyed this. Next week I head back to my hometown for the Pendleton Round-Up, and it is also a coming together of the Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest…really beautiful pageantry and insight into an incredible culture.
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How lovely. . . thanks for sharing that with me. Have a great time ! Glad you enjoyed a little preview ~
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There is something about the night when the stars come out and the air is a little cooler and maybe a little damp and in the distance there is still some singing going on and a little drumming in various small gatherings of The People in their own areas.
I remember the night a snake was found in a lodge that had been built for a pow wow in Pennsylvania – – the very lodge where I had planned to spend the night . . . I slept in the car.
Something special about the smoke of the fire at a pow wow . . . Seneca Stew . . . the Fried Bread . . .the camraderie . . . visiting with Brothers and Sisters of various Tribal backgrounds . . . getting my butt chewed out by Clan Mother because I entered a circle backward . . . it was all good and I do miss it.
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Ah those clan mothers rule the roost with a tight hand! I think think there would be so fewer wars if we had followed the Iroquois tradition of the clan mothers deciding on war! Our founding fathers were not willing to give away that much power.
Sounds as if you have lots of personal experience in this wonderful Native culture. Are you Native or just a fan?
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I have Lenape in my Heritage . . Lenape from the Pennsylvania Region ( a People also sometimes referred to as “The Delaware” (Dele-Wah”) – – a name given to the People by the Shewanakwa (a.k.a. “Wasichu” and I have been honored at one time a long time ago by the Thunder Mountain Lenape by being called a “Grandfather.”
My first “Sweat” was under their protection.
I am also close friends to Chief Laughing Bear, a Cherokee and have been friends also with another Cherokee Lady in Tennessee called “Many Horses.”
Other than that if you would meet me in person all you would be able to see outwardly is my “Onglaise” appearance.
My face is from The Europeans and my heart is of The People.
Thank you for asking. You honor me by asking.
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How interesting! I love the code of ethics 🙂
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It is indeed. You are always so enthusiastic and open about learning new things, Elaine. Thank you !
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Thank YOU for bringing new things to my attention 🙂
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very cool shots – but when we are at a pow wow they asked us not to take pics – hmm
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That is interesting. I haven’t heard that. . . .no pictures. I was even at the Gathering of Nations and opening of the Native American Museum in Washington DC and there were lots of pictures taken. There are lots of pictures on the public domain. I guess different tribes can have different rules. Thanks so much for sharing.
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