A pow wow is a gathering of Native Americans, usually from one or more tribes for several days of ritual singing and dancing. The name derives from ‘powwaw’, a 

Narragansett Indian word meaning spiritual leader. The event can range from 5-6 hours to a three day session. Larger pow wows are called for special occasions and may last up to one week. The most important part of the ceremony is the Host drums. These provide the music to which all dancers perform. If two or more tribes are participating two host drums are invited. The drum groups also have a lead singer who leads the opening and closing ceremonies of the pow wow.

The event takes place in a series of large circles. The central circle holds the dance arena. Outside this is the circle for the drum groups, the announcer or MC and the seating areas for the dancers.  At the outer rim is the area for spectators and stalls selling food and merchandise.

The session begins with a grand entry during which all the dancers line up by dance style and age. This is a very sacred ritual and photography is usually not allowed at this point.

. The dances are divided into categories according to age and gender. The men’s dances include Fancy Feather dance and the Grass dance. Women’s dances include the Fancy Shawl dance and the Jingle Dress dance. There are separate dances for teens, children and older dancers. Group dances are also held, in which participants of any age can take part. The most famous of these are the Buffalo dance and the Snake dance. The dances and the ceremony are the epitome of colour and grace.