Season 1, Episode 17: “Steve & Seba Discuss Their New Book, “The Native American Contest Powwow: Cultural Tethering Theory”

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Public Service Announcement: Y’all have to check out the Choctaw Powwow, coming up Dec 4th and 5th, 2021 in Durant, Oklahoma! You’ll get to experience the Dancer Contest, Drum Contest, Pow Wow Stickball Exhibition games and good fellowship. Feel free to post photos to my Native ChocTalk Facebook page if you get to go! 

 

And now, about today’s episode. Did you grow up going to contest powwows? Did you join others in the arena, the sound of drums pounding, everyone dancing in brilliantly colored regalia in a tribute to their ancestors?

Or have you attended without joining in? Have you always wanted to go to a powwow but were intimidated by the idea?

There’s no better time than now to understand the contest powwow, whether you’re planning to go the Choctaw Powwow or you’ve been attending for years but would like to hear an interesting perspective.

My guests, Dr. Steven Aicinena and Dr. Seba Ziyanak share details from their new book, “The Native American Contest Powwow: Cultural Tethering Theory” and I think you’ll find it fascinating and informative. You’ll learn about:

  • Why the powwows are actually crucial (not just social)
  • Can contest dancing be considered a sport?
  • The “stranger viewpoint” on powwows (observances by non-Natives)
  • Comparison of powwows to other cultures globally
  • Traditional powwows vs contest powwows
  • Are the contests spiritual or just for competition?

Let me know what you think and yakoke!

Season 1, Episode 17: “Steve & Seba Discuss Their New Book, “The Native American Contest Powwow: Cultural Tethering Theory”:

All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

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Rachael Youngman
Rachael Youngman