Powwow Date

Talk about an unusual date — why not attend one of the many powwows held across the country? Powwows are a native American gathering held to celebrate and preserve native American heritage, singing, food and dancing. The public is always welcome, and it's an experience that will offer you much to talk about and perhaps much to remember.

COST

Most powwows are free to attend, although you should budget for food and transportation. You might want also want to buy some crafts and beads.

DIGITAL SMOKE SIGNALS —FINDING A POWWOW ON THE WEB

Here's how you can find a powwow and then some:

For Native American art, artists, jewelry, crafts, books, posters, tribal events and tribe listings, visit www.nativeamericainc.com.

To find a comprehensive portal site for Native American resources, try www.nativeculture.com. Be sure to check out Lisa Mitten's links.

For information and links to all things Native American, check out members.tripod.com/~windthruherhair/powwow.html. Scroll down the entire page.

To find a very complete site that covers everything from religion to Indian events, visit members.tripod.com/~tahtonkah/events.html.

For a full schedule of powwows and a powwow newsletter, go to www.powwows.com.

POWWOW RESOURCES

If you want to read about powwows before you attend, get a copy of The Powwow Trail: Understanding and Enjoying the Native American Powwow by Julia C. White, published by The Book Publishing Company (800) 695-2241; $8.95. This is an excellent book for first time powwow participants. Ms. White furnishes information on where to find powwows and how to act when you are there.

Want to learn about Indian dancing before you go? Try the video How To Dance Native American Style by Full Circle Communications. You can order it at www.fullcir.com or (800)301-8009. The cost of the video is $19.95 plus shipping and handling.

YOUR FIRST TIME?

If this is your first time attending a powwow, be sure to check out Charley WhiteCoyotes's Powwow Rules. Go to http://www.fortnet.org/ powwow/rules. You will find a list of suggestions for how to behave when you are visiting a powwow so you won't be disrespectful from ignorance.

Here is Charley's Rule #16 "Have fun. Buy something from the vendors. Donate if you can. And most of all don't be so uptight and relax. The whole universe comes together this day to celebrate. You are invited to join in."

MARKING TIME

For your very own powwow calendar or catalogue of Native American books, call (800)695-2241.

CHA-CHA-CHA-CHANGES

The latest addition to tribal culture seems to be the neon tee pee or gambling casino. Gambling has long been a part of Native American culture. However, in visiting a pow wow, you'll hopefully get to see some of the art, dances and Native American traditions that aren't as prominently displayed on highway billboards.