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Grand Entry
Festivities begin with the Grand Entry. The "Grand Entry" is like an incredible parade inside the arena which is formed in a circle. As each individual and group enter the arena, all continue dancing into the circle as more and more enter, until everyone participating in the powwow activities is within the arena. Drumming and singing continues all the while.
During "Grand Entry" the Masters of Ceremonies will announce all dance categories to be judged during the weekend festivities. Leading the "Grand Entry" are Veterans carrying the Eagle Feather Staff and national, state, tribal, and veteran's flags. The Eagle Feather Staff is the most important flag, because it represents all Native Americans. The flag consists of Eagle feathers, bead work, and buffalo fur. The Eagle Feather Staff is secured at the center of the arena during the Grand Entry.
Any visiting dignitaries or royalty enter immediately following the Veterans. Royalty are youth that had been selected by competition at other powwows, who generally serve a one-year term in which they will travel to other powwows around the country representing their powwow and tribe.
Other dancers then enter by categories of dance. "Mens Traditional" enter first and dance into the circle, moving clockwise in the arena. each category follows with children entering last.
Following the Grand Entry is an announcement of Intertribal dancing, which is a dance where friends, family, dancers, and visitors are invited to dance together in the arena, and you need not be in regalia to join the dancers at this time.
When the announcer or MC calls out "Clear the Arena," it is time for competition dancing to begin.
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Prairie Island Indian Community • 5636 Sturgeon Lake Road • Welch, Minnesota • 55089 • 1-800-554-5473