Local Cultural Council Pow-Wows

Fruitlands’ 2011 pow wow outreach delivers an educational and interactive program encouraging cross-cultural understanding. The word pow wow stems from the Algonquian word for medicine man, or healer, pau wau. The coming together of members from particular tribes or nations originated as pau waus congregated to ask the great spirit and ancestors for help, and they convened again to give thanks when help was received. As time went on, pow wows became a triumvirate in purpose: to ask for help, to give thanks, and to gather together. The settler’s first Thanksgiving probably looked like a pow wow to their native friends, and gatherings of this type are mirrored throughout the world.

Our 40-minute program covers the history of the pow wow, the types of dances and clothing that have evolved, and conveys the meaning of instruments that are used in the ceremonies. Participants take part in the music and dance, and the more, the merrier.  This season, Fruitlands will travel to eleven different areas of Massachusetts with its pow wow. Join us for the song and dance!

If you are interested in making your own drums, you can find instructions HERE!