An Anishinaabe Native American Pow Wow

The Pow Wow is a celebration of traditions, the earliest of which-according to modern records-was around 1877. It was a celebration after the removal of the Indian to Indian Territory. A celebration of arrival after the hardships of the journey and so many had died along the road to Oklahoma. The word "pow wow" derives from our ancestors and is an Algonquin term for a gathering of medicine men and spiritual leaders in a curing ceremony, "pauau" or "pau wau." Historically, even before records were kept, all tribes held ceremonies or get-togethers to celebrate gatherings (our family reunion), warfare, sing, dance, visit and feast. These ceremonies allowed people to give thanks, honor their deceased relatives, or give special honors, such as name-giving ceremonies and coming-of-age rite. Many times they were held to renew allegiances and maintain friendships with members of visiting tribes.