This document provides etiquette guidelines for attendees of the Mattagami First Nation's annual traditional powwow. Grand Entry begins at noon each day and all must stand and remove hats during. Dancers wear regalia not costumes as items are handmade and ceremonial. The powwow grounds and dance areas must be respected, with no alcohol, drugs, or pictures during ceremonies. Front bleacher rows are reserved and blankets indicate saved seats. Only service animals are allowed. The MC will direct dances and photography. Respectful clothing is required and the MC provides updates. Issues should be brought to coordinators, not complained about otherwise.

1. Pow wow
Etiquette
Guide & Reminder for the Mattagami First Nation – Traditional Annual Powwow
Prepared by Cllr. Jennifer Constant

2. Grand Entry
The Eagle Staff leads the Grand Entry, followed by
flags, then the dancers, while the host drum sing
an opening song
Everyone must stand and remove their hats during
Grand Entry and through the opening song
Pictures are not permitted during Grand Entry (as
this is considered a sacred ceremony)
Grand Entry commences at noon each day

3. Terminology
What the dancers are wearing is called ‘Regalia’
and not a costume. We hand make everything
that we dance in and do not consider it to be a
costume. Regalia is part of cultural identity, and
for ceremonial purposes - not ‘playtime-pretend
costumes’

4. Respect
Please be respectful of the Pow wow grounds and the
dance arenas
If you see trash, pick it up and throw it away.
Absolutely no alcohol or drugs are allowed throughout
the entire Pow wow grounds
Please take time to check with elders to ensure they are
comfortable and hydrated
Water provided by the powwow is strictly for dancers,
drummers, elders, & volunteers. (Visitors & spectators
please bring or buy your own water)

5. Seating
Front row of bleachers are usually reserved for dancers,
those with disabilities, Veterans and Elders
Please be considerate of others while sitting in the
bleachers – If you see a blanket on a bleacher, please
leave it there – As a dancer has reserved a seat for
themselves using the blanket. They need to rest and have
easy access to the grounds for their dances
You may also bring your own folding chairs

6. Pets
NO PETS ALLOWED!
Only exception is if you require one for medical
reasons (seeing-eye dog)

7. Listen to the MC
The MC or Master of Ceremony will inform all dancers,
drums groups, and spectators about what is going on
at all times.
Dances will be for specific types of dancers and will
be announced by the MC
Inter-Tribal Dances will be announced (this is for
everyone to participate, women on ‘moontime’
cannot dance or be near the drum)

8. Taking Pictures
The MC will let you know when it is & isn’t
appropriate to take pictures
Please ask dancers permission to take their picture
(most will oblige, but be respectful of their desire to
be in a picture)
Some pictures are not permitted for sacred
reasons

9. Clothing
Please wear respectful clothing
The public is invited to come and dance with us
during Inter-Tribal songs – be sure to wear
appropriate clothing and be respectful while
dancing
Men & Women are both expected to be dressed
appropriately

10. Footwear
Please do not come to the grounds barefoot.
One should have moccasins or shoes on.

11. Attitude
Be respectful
No gossiping or ill-spirited behaviour
This is an event to celebrate & honour our culture, and to
display our pride of who we are as indigenous people
Any issues should be addressed properly to the
coordinator or MC (complaining without addressing the
appropriate people is not effective or a healthy
behaviour)

12. Chi-miigwetch
Thank you for taking the time to familiarize yourself with
some guiding etiquette and reminders.
Please respect the community and it’s pow wow grounds.
We hope this helps you better understand etiquette!
We hope you enjoy yourself and have a great time at our
event.
Source: Mattagami First Nation traditional guidance & common knowledge 2015