Chicago's Fifty Years of Powwows

<Adapted from the book of the same name>

The Fourth Circle: The Community

HEAD STAFF

It is imperative to select and invite qualified knowledgeable and experienced individuals to serve as "head staff," (head dancers, head veteran dancer, arena director, and the emcee). The leadership of the head male and female dancer is vital and their knowledge of the complex powwow dance culture deems respect by their peers and younger dancers. The head veteran (combat veteran) serves as the overall leader of the powwow circle. The head veteran carries the responsibilities of protecting and being caretaker of the eagle feather staff. The position and responsibility of the emcee mandates a wealth of powwow knowledge. The emcee informs and educates the audience on specific Native traditions and powwow culture. The arena director is the powwow's conductor, responsible for the overall powwow organization, providing guidance for the dancers, and coordination for the Drums and singers, making the powwow form a smooth transition from one event to another.

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The book Chicago's Fifty Years of Powwow has many more photos and offers insights that are not presented in this Online Essay. To obtain a copy of your own, follow this offsite link to the webpage for the Chicago American Indian Center.