Introducing the Powwow
A remarkable experience! The precursor to a quest of unforgettable enjoyment. All were sitting in anticipation. Then the Grand Entry commenced. The participants, family, and veterans approached and entered in to the powwow arena. What a Grand Entry! A slow honor song set the tempo. The contest powwow had begun. I could feel the pride of the people as they entered into the sacred circle, leaving me in a state of awe for I had never sensed such pride of a nation. There we were, outsiders, witnessing an event of classic cultural tradition. We had no previous knowledge or education for such an event. What an honor to be a witness to this spectacular gathering of the people. The Grand Entry was now complete.
Let the competition begin! A voice on the loudspeaker called out for the young fancy dancers to prepare. Then called out for the drum group to standby. The drum group was Blackstone Singers. The voice calls out again: Take it away Blackstone! And off they went! There was an initial drum start and a lead voice became apparent. He was singing two to three octaves higher then the rest of his group. His pitch and energy made the hairs on the back of my neck stand straight up, sending goose bumps throughout my entire body. The voices, so enchanting and beautiful! I lost track of any other thoughts, the moment took complete hold of my consciousness. Gazing down upon the crowd gathered around the drum group, my eyes caught a commotion on the arena floor. I could see a number of young men moving in separate systematic stops and starts. They were dressed in full regalia. The spectacle of colors and feathers in motion was incredible! They were so noble and confident dancing to the rhythm of the drum groups song. Each step deliberate and intentional, each dancers face expressionless and timeless, so concentrated on the beat that no expression could come forth.
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