Powwow Day

Question 1

My eyes open.

Answer 1

Powwow Day

Question 2

Then I remember.

Answer 2

Powwow Day

Question 3

No dancing.

Answer 3

Powwow Day

Question 4

No jingle dress competition for me.

Answer 4

Powwow Day

Question 5

“I wish my hair weren’t still so short,” I sigh.

Answer 5

Powwow Day

Question 6

Mama lays out the moccasins that match my dress.

Answer 6

Powwow Day

Question 7

“But everyone wants to see you.”

Answer 7

Powwow Day

Question 8

I can’t dance like I could before I got sick.

Answer 8

Powwow Day

Question 9

“But you will dance again,” she responds.

Answer 9

Powwow Day

Question 10

I usually savor the scents of sage and sweetgrass, but not today.

Answer 10

Powwow Day

Question 11

The breeze prickles my skin.

Answer 11

Powwow Day

Question 12

I’m tired already.

Answer 12

Powwow Day

Question 13

Daddy arranges our chairs near the family drum.

Answer 13

Powwow Day

Question 14

Mama squeezes me close.

Answer 14

Powwow Day

Question 15

“Doing ok?”

Answer 15

Powwow Day

Question 16

I nod, but I’m not.

Answer 16

Powwow Day

Question 17

No, I’m not OK.

Answer 17

Powwow Day

Question 18

“Time for Grand Entry - stand up.”

Answer 18

Powwow Day

Question 19

Gentlemen, remove your hats.

Answer 19

Powwow Day

Question 20

My uncles strike a large drum together.

Answer 20

Powwow Day

Question 21

Bam. Bam. Bam. Bam.

Answer 21

Powwow Day

Question 22

They sing, “Eh-yah, Eh-yah, Wey-eh-yah-ah.”

Answer 22

Powwow Day

Question 23

I make a decision.

Answer 23

Powwow Day

Question 24

At least I can dance Grand Entry.

Answer 24

Powwow Day

Question 25

You sure?

Answer 25

Powwow Day

Question 26

Grandpa leads the eagle staff.

Answer 26

Powwow Day

Question 27

Other warriors carry flags into the arena.

Answer 27

Powwow Day

Question 28

Bah-dum. Bah-dum. Bah-dum. Bah-dum.

Answer 28

Powwow Day

Question 29

Elders head up the long line.

Answer 29

Powwow Day

Question 30

Oldest to youngest - traditional, fancy, grass, and jingle dress.

Answer 30

Powwow Day

Question 31

My feet stay still.

Answer 31

Powwow Day

Question 32

I can't feel the drum's heartbeat.

Answer 32

Powwow Day

Question 33

She leads me back to our seats.

Answer 33

Powwow Day

Question 34

Everyone dances in and moves around the circle, all connected to the drum, Mother Earth, and one another.

Answer 34

Powwow Day

Question 35

Everyone.

Answer 35

Powwow Day

Question 36

Everyone but me.

Answer 36

Powwow Day

Question 37

I watch through wet eyes.

Answer 37

Powwow Day

Question 38

After Grand Entry, an elder prays that our dances honor the Creator, that our culture and language will stay strong, and that healing will come to those who need it.

Answer 38

Powwow Day

Question 39

Like me.

Answer 39

Powwow Day

Question 40

I rise to join the intertribal dance.

Answer 40

Powwow Day

Question 41

But I can't focus.

Answer 41

Powwow Day

Question 42

Mama's steady hand guides me into my seat.

Answer 42

Powwow Day

Question 43

The drum's heartbeat surrounds me.

Answer 43

Powwow Day

Question 44

BAM. BAM. BAM. BAM.

Answer 44

Powwow Day

Question 45

I learn against Daddy and watch the competitions.

Answer 45

Powwow Day

Question 46

Traditional dancers move and draw me in to their story.

Answer 46

Powwow Day

Question 47

Fancy dancers twirl and ribbons whirl.

Answer 47

Powwow Day

Question 48

Graceful grass dancers sway and weave themselves around the circle.

Answer 48

Powwow Day

Question 49

The drum starts its beat inside me.

Answer 49

Powwow Day

Question 50

Then the emcee calls...

Answer 50

Powwow Day

Question 51

Girls' jingle dress - head to the arena.

Answer 51

Powwow Day

Question 52

For a second my heart leaps.

Answer 52

Powwow Day

Question 53

But I can't do the healing dance today, even though I need it.

Answer 53

Powwow Day

Question 54

Their feather fans wave.

Answer 54

Powwow Day

Question 55

Rows of cones clink, clink clink on their dresses.

Answer 55

Powwow Day

Question 56

I sit up tall as they come close.

Answer 56

Powwow Day

Question 57

They dance for the Creator, the ancestors, their families, and everyone's health...including mine.

Answer 57

Powwow Day

Question 58

I stand.

Answer 58

Powwow Day

Question 59

I open my heart.

Answer 59

Powwow Day

Question 60

I feel the drum fully now.

Answer 60

Powwow Day

Question 61

Then I know...

Answer 61

Powwow Day

Question 62

I will dance again.

Answer 62

Powwow Day