The Native American Contest Powwow introduces Cultural Tethering Theory to understand the importance of the contest powwow and what it means to participants, carrying on the beauty of Native American culture. The book addresses the concepts of culture, cultural change, acculturation, assimilation, and how this competitive dancing ritual aligns with and differs from traditional sports. Authors Steven Aicinena and Sebahattin Ziyanak go on to explain why modern Native American cultures are experiencing an erosion of traditional values, a rapid loss of traditional languages, changes in social organization, limited opportunity to learn culturally-valued knowledge, reduced opportunity to observe culturally appropriate behavior, and the influence of technology. The book also examines Native American identity and who can legitimately claim to be a Native American under current laws and customs. Additional topics addressed include blood quantum, cultural knowledge, participation, being Indian, and playing Indian. Finally, the authors describe the difference between being Native American and playing Indian in powwow and pseudo-cultural powwow environments.
Steven Aicinena recently retired as professor of kinesiology at the of The University of Texas Permian Basin. Sebahattin Ziyanak is associate professor of sociology at The University of Texas Permian Basin.
Table of Contents Introduction: The Contest Powwow Chapter 1: The Powwow: From Sacred Spiritual Gathering to Competitive Event Chapter 2: Similarities and Differences between the Gathering of Nations Contest Powwow and a University of New Mexico Lobo Basketball Game Chapter 3: Contest Powwow Dancing as a Competitive Sport Chapter 4: Contest Powwow Announcers: Purveyors of Culture and Traditions Chapter 5: Is the Contest Powwow a Spiritual Ceremony? Chapter 6: The Contest Powwow: A Ceremony Fostering Tradition and Social Change Chapter 7: Cultural Tethering Theory
For years, I have heard from many that they felt that a powwow was only for Native Americans. That is not true. This book is so important in helping to educate people on what a powwow is and what a powwow entails and the carrying on of Indigenous traditions. This book is unique, and it helps to open the doors into welcoming everyone to enjoy this beautiful event of a powwow which full of life, color, and culture. -- Stephen Yellowhawk, President of the Black Hills Powwow Association
