A large gathering during which Indigenous songs and dances are showcased for an audience, essentially a recital or concert. Often also doubles as a fundraiser, or can be held in conjunction with a non-indigneous fair or exhibition in order to attract a large crowd, as at the Calgary Stampede and K-Days.
Verb
To hold a meeting; to gather together in council.
To conduct a ritual in which magic is used.
To hold a private conference.
Origin
From an Algonquian language, probably Massachusett pauwau ("he uses divination; he practices magic or sorcery") or Narragansett powwáw ("sorcerer, shaman"), from Proto-Algonquian *pawe·wa ("one who dreams").
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