(or How to be an Ally to Indigenous people and enjoy yourself in the process, an essay for general community)
By Andre Bouchard
“Yes, you are welcome to come to Powwows” I tell nervous questioners, “Just remember: stand during grand entry (if you don’t know what that is, listen to the announcements by the Powwow Emcee) and prayers and don’t take photos unless you have permission.”
This statement is met with a variety of responses ranging from surprise to disbelief. In truth, most non-native folk who have attended PowWows have remarked that it is a positive, welcoming and enlightening experience.
The only way you can begin to be effective as an ally for Indigenous people is to show up, metaphorically and literally speaking. The beginning of this journey is easier than you think. Show up to that local Tribe or college or urban Native Powwow (it doesn’t cost anything, and yes, again, you are totally welcome to come) or attend another free event - like a reading by a Native author. With a relatively small amount of money you can buy tickets to a show (theater, hip hop, jazz, contemporary dance, standup comedy, etc) in your area, open your mind, and, preferably with a friend (or four) demonstrate to your local performing arts venue that you want to see diverse content in your local community.
There is a whole world of cultural art that you (if you are not Native) are probably completely unaware of and, most likely, have a great number of misconceptions about. The truth is that, in general, Native communities are both welcoming and the art that we produce is diverse, contemporary and frequently world-class.
Better yet, engage with this content while you are on vacation. Most major cities in the US (and more in Canada) have at least an emerging Indigenous performing arts ecosystem. For example, when my family is planning vacations we look up the local Tribal cultural center for museum, Native owned shops and restaurants and events in the area and we make this part of our vacation experience.
By doing this you are progressing in your own journey by feeding an emerging community and supporting the livelihood of folk who, likely, have day jobs and need the support. With performing arts venues taking a beating in the post-pandemic world, it is important to show up and let them know that you are interested in more than just cover bands and musical theater.
Cultural traditions held by many Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island (North America) use storytelling as a vehicle for education. We give our kiddos stories that can be our own or handed down to us from our family or Tribe. These stories aren’t morality tales - they don’t beat you over the head with the lesson of the story. You are encouraged to come to your own conclusions and arrive at your own pace. Through this tradition, absorbing Native performance (and performance is storytelling or it is nothing), you are taking part in Native culture as an ally.
The Indigenous performing arts economy is fragile. I have seen many many emerging or mid-career artists throw in the towel and give up on making work because of the lack of support necessary to take time away from their families.
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