Austin’s 19th Annual Pow Wow
I’ve been going to the Austin Pow Wows since they began. The grand entry begins with the color guard (military veterans) who are followed by the gourd dancers, another group of warriors. First, the eagle staff is carried into the circle, followed by the American, state and tribal flags. Then, chiefs and headmen enter, followed by head dancers and royalty (i.e. honorary Powwow Princesses)
Other invited dignitaries are next to enter followed by the men: traditional dancers first, then grass dancers and fancy dancers. Women enter next: traditional dancers, fancy shawl dancers and jingle dress dancers. They’re followed by junior boys, traditional and fancy dancers, and the little girls, traditional and fancy shawl dancers. The dancers dance clockwise, around the arbor. The people coming together, uniting heaven and earth in a sacred spiral.
