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Criteria for Head Staff
A major responsibility, of ALL pow wow committees, is the selection of Head
Staff. Head Staff should be knowledgeable of traditions and
protocol. They help set the example of appropriateness and tone for the
pow wow. Choosing
Head Staff should not be taken lightly, nor should it be a popularity contest!
Each year, time and care is taken to select appropriate, qualified,
individuals to act as our Head Staff. These are people who are respected
members of our community and who are known to observe proper conduct and respect
for elders, peers, traditions, and regalia. Elders, members of the community,
and Committee submit recommendations for future Head Staff.
Selection of Head staff is determined based upon discussions of each individual's
personal merits and ability.
This is a memorial pow wow. Where appropriate, we try to involve family
knowledgeable in traditions and protocol in our Head Staff to keep those
teachings from Frank alive for the next Seven Generations.
The Arena Director, MC, and Head Veteran are selected based on demonstrated
experience and knowledge of protocol and traditions. The Arena Director
must have proven leadership skills and will collaborate with Committee and
participants to appropriately direct all activity within the circle. The
Arena Director determines what is or is not appropriate inside the circle. The MC must
possess good public speaking skills, the ability to communicate to the public
what is taking place in the dance circle, as well as the teachings and beliefs
of our People. The Head Veteran is usually a combat veteran of any
branch of service. The Head Vet must demonstrate a spiritual and
traditional lifestyle. He is responsible for procedures and ceremonies
during the pow wow, such as the retrieval of fallen Eagle feathers.
Head Dancers are selected for their demonstrated knowledge and skill
in performing all dances associated with a traditional pow wow. They must
know every dance the MC announces and respond immediately to lead the other
dancers. Head Dancers must be in regalia, whether they are traditional
male and female, fancy dancers, grass dancers, etc.
Head Junior Dancers must be between 10 and 17 years of age.
Selected youth must be competent in traditional dances such as crow hop, snake
dance, and round dance and maintain proper demeanor and conduct.
The Host Drum is chosen for their ability to perform 100 songs or
more. They must be able to perform, correctly, any song that the MC
announces. They must demonstrate, both individually and as a group, their
skill and observation of protocol. They must show complete respect for the
Drum and never leave it unattended. Preference is given to drum groups
whose members are working hard towards being drug and alcohol free.
Invited Drums are selected on their skill and ability to observe protocol.
We also take note of the group's conduct at other gatherings, including but not
limited to: respect for other drum groups, treatment of other committees,
and behavior while under the shelter of the arbor. We choose drum groups who come
for the "right" reasons. These are the
drum groups who travel to pow wows because they genuinely want to sing for the
People. Of course, preference is given to drum groups whose members are
working hard towards being drug and alcohol free.
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