Black Bear Cove

The new promoter and primary contact is Salamander Bear Walker, who can be reached at 423-333-5594.

The drum competition has been cancelled. The luck of the draw will now depend on the gate and blanket dance proceeds. The head staff will likely change, but vendors are continuing to come and the public is still encouraged to attend!

Angie Lilley, co-owner of Black Bear Cove Resort and RV Park can be contacted for further information. 423-338-4399 or 866-438-4399.

Welcome to Black Bear Cove Resort and RV Park (“Black Bear Cove”), located at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Located east of Cleveland, Tennessee on the Hiwassee River, Black Bear Cove hosts this third annual Native American Festival.

Bring a chair or blanket and come experience a weekend of Native culture, crafts and foods!

Festival Location:

Black Bear Cove Resort & RV Park

5842 Highway 30

Benton, TN 37307 

 

www.blackbearcoveresort.com

October 10-11, 2009

On site primitive camping available

Pow Wow/Native American Festival Etiquette

If you have never been to a Powwow/Native American Festival, here are a few rules that will help you feel more comfortable and educated. Customs vary from region to region and powwow to powwow. If you have a question, ask. The staff, Arena Director, dancers, singers, and elders are happy to help.

Pay Attention and Listen. The MC (master of ceremonies) can be heard via the sound system. He is coordinating the powwow/festival and advises the visitors of additional protocol. Non-natives are welcome at powwow celebrations to learn and share in the cultural and social traditions but are expected to show respect and understanding for these events.

Never Refer To A Native American Dancer’s Regalia As a Costume. A dancer’s regalia may also be called their outfit. These beautifully handcrafted outfits are not costumes! Much thought, time, energy and expense goes into the making of each outfit. Often pieces of the regalia are family heirlooms. Regalia is created by the dancer or by a respected family member or friend. The feathers in particular are sacred and highly valued and cared for. Sometimes years have gone into the final completion of a dancer’s regalia.

Never Touch A Native American Dancer’s Regalia. Again, respect, respect, respect! Respect the personal space of dancers as you should for anyone.

Use Courtesy and Respect When Photographing. The majority of Native American powwows/festivals are public events and taking pictures of the dancers during intertribal dances is acceptable. The MC will let you know when it will be absolutely NOT acceptable to take photographs. However, if you want a dancer to pose for you outside the Dance Circle, always introduce yourself and ask permission. If you are a professional photographer or artist and feel you may use the image in the future for a commercial project, tell the dancer. Make sure it is OK with him or her and the safest bet is to ask if they will sign a model’s release. Even if the photos are only for your personal use and not commercial, offer to send the dancer copies. They are usually happy to give you a mailing address so that you may send them photos.

The Dance Circle. At the beginning of the powwow festivities, the Dance Circle is blessed. Walking or running randomly into the Dance Circle is prohibited. The only time guests may enter the Dance Circle is to participate during Intertribal Dances, Social Dances or during an Honoring dance that the MC will announce. Don’t cut across the Dance Circle just to get to the other side!

Stand During Grand Entry. The MC will announce the beginning of Grand Entry and will ask everyone to stand. The Native American Eagle Staff and American Flag will be brought into the Dance Circle and you should remain standing during the Flag Song and the Invocation. The same is asked during the Veterans Songs and Closing Songs and when the Staff and Flags are taken out of the Dance Circle. Men should remove their hats during these times.

Veterans Dances. Veterans dances are restricted to Veterans, Combat Veterans or the relations of Veterans. Often policemen, firemen and emergency workers are also invited into this dance, generally following the Veterans. The MC will announce who is invited into the Dance Circle at the beginning of Veterans dances. 

Do Not Sit On Any Chairs Under the MC/Drum Arbor. The seating under the MC/Drum Arbor is reserved for the dancers, drums and other powwow participants. It’s a good idea to bring folding chairs to a powwow and set them up just behind the outer area of the Dance Circle. Throwing a blanket over your chair marks it as belonging to someone. 

No Alcohol Or Drugs Permitted At Powwows/Festivals. Native American powwows/festivals are alcohol and drug free environments. Any one found under the influence or in the possession of drugs will be immediately escorted off the powwow grounds.

Pets Must Be On Leashes. The Dance Circle is a sacred place from the time it is blessed until the powwow/festival is over.  At NO time should pets be allowed in the Dance Circle.

Respect Everyone, Native and Non-Natives, Especially Elders. Treat everyone with respect and kindness. Look out for the children. Treat others as you would expect to be treated.

Finally, Have A Good Time! Above anything else, Native American powwows/festivals are social events and a time to share Native culture, Native crafts and Native foods. A time to see old friends and meet new ones. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and engage in conversation with vendors, dancers, singers and other powwow participants. 

Enjoy yourself!

Powwow Etiquette Provided Courtesy of http://www.powwow-power.com