Pow-wow
Secwepemc pow-wows retain traditional cultural activities that are expressed in songs, dances, food, sharing and prayer. Most Secwepemc pow-wows begin with a Grand Entry where chiefs, princesses, elders, organizers and dancers enter the circular arena. When the flags of British Columbia, Canada and United States as well as eagle staffs of other tribes are brought in, everyone is asked to stand to show their respect. Each flag represents something different such as the countries they live in, their ancestors that fought for them, and the people that fought against them.
The Secwepemc eagle staff has an eagle claw at the top with seventeen eagle feathers along the staff. The feathers represent the seventeen bands in the Secwepemc Nation.
After everyone has entered the arena the Flag song ends. The arena remains silent for the elder to begin the opening prayer. The prayer is to thank the Creator for the brothers and sisters who are the animals, trees and plants. These are to be respected. Thanks are also given to the Creator for the sun, wind and food.
The host chief welcomes everyone to the pow-wow and asks everybody to show respect to the elders, to each other and to themselves.
There are about eight drums and an average of ten people per drum. People on the drums are required to know a wide variety of songs so that they are not repeated. A lead singer starts to sing and introduces the song to the other drummers. The lead is repeated for the rest of the drummers to join in. There are a wide variety of songs that range from social to religious to war.
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