Portsmouth 375th Anniversary Pow-Wow and Celebration
Saturday & Sunday July 27 & 28  
10:00 – 5:00 {Grand Entry @ noon both days} 
The Glen Recreational Area – 4H Fair Grounds 
Glen Road, Portsmouth RI
(SEE THE AQUIDNECK INDIAN COUNCIL WEB SITE (CLICK HERE))


The Pow-Wow is a Sacred Event.  Please read the Simple Powwow Protocols below to ensure that you properly conduct and your children. 

See details in the flyer below (Click Here to download a copy)

Simple Powwow Protocols

 As more people become aware of Native American culture and start attending
Powwows and other ceremonies, it is important they understand some of the "basic
rules" to follow while there: 

1. Listen to the Master of Ceremonies or Host, they coordinate the Powwow. 
 
2. Do not sit on the benches or chairs reserved for the dancers, singers or
Elders. If event is outside, do not sit under arbors/awnings that are set up for
Elders or the drummers/singers. 

3. If you want to take pictures; check first with the MC and/or the person
you wish to photograph. There are no pictures taken during the Grand Entry, the
Flag (honoring) Song, nor the Veteran’s Song, also no pictures shall be taken
during Smudging (cleansing) – these are all spiritual moments. 

4. Any videotape or sound recordings, of any kind, must be done with the
permission of the MC, Host and/or the drums/singers. NO recording, at all,
during Grand Entry, the Flag Song, Veteran’s Song, Invocation/prayers, nor
special honoring song. The MC will announce these times when "not" to record. 
 
5. If you are not wearing regalia, you may dance only on Intertribal or
social songs. 

6. Stand during the Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Invocation/prayers, Veteran’s
Songs, special honoring songs and the Closing Song. The MC will announce these
times. 

7. Please do not permit your children to enter the dancing circle unless they
are dancing. All who wish to enter the circle, to dance, must enter through the
open entrance to the sacred circle, which is usually in the East. No one must go
under or over the ropes that make up the circle. 

8. Do not sit at nor touch any drum! The only time you may sit at, or touch,
a drum is if you are invited to do so by the drum keeper. Drums are sacred to
the Native people and should never be disrespected. To request a special song,
it is customary to offer the drum keeper tobacco with your request. 

9. Do not touch anyone’s clothing without their permission. Always be polite,
ask first. Never refer to a person’s clothing as a "costume". That is
disrespectful. The term "Regalia" is preferred, "clothing" is acceptable. 

10. Do not bring or consume ALCOHOL or DRUGS while around the Powwow area. No eating or drinking, of any kind, allowed in the sacred circle! 

Whenever in doubt, about a certain topic or protocol, ask the MC or Host.