A pow wow is a social gathering held by many different Native American communities. The word derives from the Narragansett word powwaw, meaning “spiritual leader”. A similar gathering by California Native Peoples usually in the fall is called a Big Time. A modern pow wow is a specific type of event for Native American/First Nations people to meet and dance, sing, socialize, and honor their cultures. Pow wows may be private or public. There is generally a dancing competition, often with significant prize money awarded. Pow wows vary in length from a one-day event, to major pow wows called for a special occasion which can be up to one week long. Traditional Native American costuming is always a big part of pow wows.
Moore’s Primitives has a good selection of Native American patterns available. Many Native Americans also participate in Fur Trade era rendezvous and buckskinning events in traditional costumes.