How to Attend a Powwow in Europe

Europeans are fascinated with Native American culture. Their fascination can be traced to Karl May’s novels. These early 20th century novels romanticized the history of the American West. In May’s stories, Native Americans are the heroes, not the cowboys and soldiers who killed them as the United States expansion policy moved settlers into Indian Country. A diverse and exciting subculture of Europeans celebrates and assimilates Native American culture. The range of activities includes holding their own powwows, weekend living in pre-1860s Indian camps, building teepees in their backyards and/or raising money to support projects on reservations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. The expertise of Europeans on Native American culture is fascinating. An excellent example is Bruno and Kristen of Munich, Germany. Their hobby is the history, culture and language of the Lakota, as well as the contemporary well-being of Native Americans. Bruno writes academic articles on the history of the Sioux. Kristen is fluent in the Lakota language. She offers Lakota language courses for free in return for donations from the students to support Leonard Little Finger’s Lakota School Project in Oglala, South Dakota.
2. Powwows. The European "take" on the traditional dance and drumming of Native Americans can be witnessed throughout the year. An internet search on Europeans Powwows provides a resource of schedules and contact information. If you plan to attend an event, etiquette requires that you contact the event organizers to request permission.
3. Indian Hobbyists. The Indian Hobbyists are known for their passion for pre-1860s Native American culture. Often, they will dress in regalia and assimilate Indian culture to varying degrees. There are Indian camps throughout Europe where hobbyists collect together. An excellent video on one Czech Republic subculture is “If Only I were an Indian…” by John Paskievich.
4. Woodcrafters. Woodcrafters are similar to Indian Hobbyists, but their interests are more general. This organization was founded by the same man who originated the Boy Scouts. Woodcrafters are most interested in preserving ways of outdoor living and pre-industrial survival skills. Websites for organizations throughout Europe are available on the web. Their organizations are very open and receptive to visitors.
5. Collectors and Museums. Some of the most extensive private and public collections of Native American artifacts are found in Europe. Collector François Chladiuk periodically exhibits the collection of all of the traditional outfits worn by the Native Americans who participated in the 1935 Brussels World Fair. Chladiuk owns a four story Western store in Brussels, Belgium. The Ethnological Museum at Staatliche Museen zu Berlin in Germany is said to be absolutely amazing. Their website has a language option menu for English and Dutch speakers.

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