Contemporary Powwow Music

The powwow is a modern Pan-Indian tradition — a gathering that brings together members of many different nations for singing, dancing, and community. Though its roots lie in Plains Nations ceremony, the contemporary powwow circuit developed across North America through the 20th century as a form of cultural affirmation and intertribal connection, especially in urban areas with relocatee populations. Powwow music is performed by drum groups — typically 4 to 10 or more men seated around a large bass drum, singing in unison. The repertoire includes Grand Entry songs, Honor songs, Intertribal songs (open to all dancers), Veterans songs, Round Dance songs, and competition dance songs for specific categories: Men's Traditional, Men's Fancy, Women's Jingle, Women's Fancy Shawl, Grass Dance, and others. Major drum groups — including Blacklodge Singers, Northern Cree, Drum Royale, and many others — have achieved wide followings through recordings and the powwow circuit. The Native American Music Awards (Nammys) were established in 1998 to recognise achievements across powwow, traditional, and contemporary Indigenous music.