I DANCED In a Native American Powwow 

You aren't treating the regalia like a Halloween costume. You are 100% respectful of what you are doing. This is the opposite of cultural appropriation....its cultural appreciation. It is an honor to see you sharing in and learning our culture. Miigwetch bizindawiieg (thank you for listening!)

"We're still here... and we're not going anywhere" That is powerful!

I'm Ojibwe and my first thought when you put on the outfit, I thought "that's cool but I don't think I could ever let anyone wear my families outfits" and it's still true, but watching you dance had me very emotional, I actually got chills. When you were asked what dancing felt like to you and you said it felt like it wasn't about you, it was about everyone else and feeling honored; i was filled with absolute joy because that's exactly what it means to dance. We dance for our children, our families, our loved ones and our ancestors. It's completely amazing that you felt the true meaning.h

This isn’t cultural appropriation! This is cultural education!

As an indigenous person I deeply appreciate the way you approached and embraced our culture and traditions. You had a right spirit. I didn’t get any vibe that you were appropriating from us. Aho! ❤

I feel like I must write a comment to commemorate the end of my favorite series ever. I’ve had the most incredible experiences being immersed in 10 different families and have learned about their cultures in the most authentic, personal way - you won’t find more real information than talking to the locals. Ending the series with a Native American family felt perfect and it truly was a grand finale. Thank you to all of you for watching the videos with a genuine curiosity for other communities. This is how we bring the world together and you are contributing to it ❤

I am not a native person. I stumbled on this by accident. This video is so touching and powerful. I literally have the feels. I showed my kid and reminded him these are the first people of this land, respect them and their culture.

Love this. As a Native American, my favorite part was watching you dance. Seeing how you trusted the circle, the dancers, and the drum, enough to let yourself go. You had a spiritual moment out there and I enjoyed hearing your experience after you were done dancing. Also, hearing how you felt out of place and intimidated.... now imagine being native American in a white dominated country.. we feel that same intimidation more often than not any time we leave the rez... people look at us sideways and think we're dumb just because we have different views and values of life. ❤

I'm native and this made me cry when you were dancing 😭 you're own spirit was expressing itself you were so relieved I bet!

actually started crying when the guy starting telling the story of the prairie chicken. everything in the native american culture has so much meaning behind it.

Wow, I am a non-indigenous mother of 2 indigenous children, one of them being a jingle powwow dancer. Through my children I've learned about this beautiful culture and have created a indigenous village of supportive people who've welcomed me. I resonate with the indigenous teachings and continue to learn, which is such a gift. I give respect to you Devan & Markian! 👏👏

The US Government made us stop dancing in the past because the same reason of simply being scared and intimidated by our voices and drums. I'm Ponca Oklahoma, I really appreciated seeing this dude be so respectful. He looked so good in our regalia then he took it off and I was like Meh lol Nah Good stuff dude!

Dancing is healing, and when you dance you dance for those who can't. You went out there with little to no knowledge and still danced how you felt, that was amazing. I was never taught to dance so I go to powwows and watch others and have this intense jealousy and admiration. I really like that you respected the oral teachings, I learned a lot through "story time sit down" as you said in the video lol overall this video was made respectfully and with a healthy curiousness and I hope anyone wanting to learn more about Indigenous people will follow your example.

I’m from the Blackfeet tribe “pikuni” Blackfeet and ima be honest I’m glad you decided to do a Native American family, and share that tribes tradition across and it shows how some and almost most Native family’s are. We are peaceful people just don’t get us mad, or snag our woman 😂

When he gave you permission to wear his feathers i cried because that is an honor to be able to have that opportunity. AMAZING!

Cultural Appropriation only comes into effect when someone tries to steal someone else's tradition and either profit from it, or make fun of it. But what Devon did was right: wait until someone from that culture allows you to immerse in it, and be grateful that you did! And always, ALWAYS, treat their tradition with SO MUCH REVERENCE and RESPECT. Congratulations, Markian! This is by far, THE BEST CONTENT among the ten families! Sending love and light from the Philippines!

I normally don't comment, however, being an Anishinaabe I was touched by the respectful way you sought to understand our culture and you shared what you learned in such an amazing way. Miigwech!

As native people we hold on to so many things that they can't take from us. We fight to hold on to our culture . I appreciate you embracing our culture and bringing it to the mainstream world. I see that you embrace it with grace.

When you said the kids were adopted out to assimilate them, my heart just dropped. My paternal grandmother was adopted out and we don’t even have her parents names. It just stops with her. I have some pictures but no background story. Just small tidbits. Anyone, who knows exactly where they come from and exactly who they are as a person. Wow, what a blessing!

I really appreciate this post! I myself, not my brother have any native blood quantum. That being said, my brother from a very young age feel a deep connection to the native community here in Hawaii and started a very long and dedicated journey to learning and being accepted into the community. He was told by many chiefs who came to town during powwow that he has a native spirit. I remember messing his feet for his moccasins, helping him fix his regalia when beads were broken. He was a part of a drum circle every weekend his whole life. He was a champion in fancy dance, grass dance, chicken dance and hoop dance. He has been awarded three eagle feather, which is a massive deal to him. When we had a tsunami here in Hawaii ( it happens often) I was busy gathering all the important documents and told him to pick his import things.. thinking he would pack clothes and food rations. But instead he came back with only his eagle feathers. I know I'm not anyone to comment on what being native means, but seeing this documentary had me in tears seeing the love, education and spirit that this community gave you. Thank you for this, it made my heart so full Mahalo

You almost made this grown man cry when you said “If this is the last video I make…” I just got to know you thru this series

I'm a 70 yr old, white, female widow. All the back in the 60/70's (while in High School) I became deeply touched by the Indigenous culture, beliefs and traditions. In HS I read the book, The Deer Hunter, it changed my world. I don't know if it's considered acceptable by the Indigenous People in today's world, but for me, back in the 70's, it was a huge eye opener. I've help your culture deep in my heart ever since. Watching these videos has had me in tears. Mostly joyous, some not soych as it tears aty heart what was done to your nations. So, I thank you (all) for being so open and honest, for sharing your culture and traditions. For welcoming all to your Pow Wows. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

I’m Native American and I love this. So much Respect ✊🏽

I think it is so amazing he let you dance in the regalia. He gave wise words on the why he invited you to wear the regalia. It was also really nice that you guys went around to allow others share their opinions. I loved this series. This family is probably my favorite because I respect the native tribes so much for being so proud of their culture in the face of continued oppression

As an indigenous person seeing someone who’s not indigenous made me tear up a little, especially when he started to talk about residential schools, and the Indian act cause those are the main reasons why a lot of indigenous children don’t have there language today. Made me tear up hearing someone who’s not indigenous because we don’t get talked about a lot!

As an Indigenous woman I started crying when you were dancing.

Markian! I respect you with all of my heart for making this Series happen, it’s definitely been a pleasure to watch. You have me in complete tears !!!

WOOOW!!! Markian I’m very proud of you and being a Native American from Arizona, a Fort McDowell Yavapai native you brought goosebumps but not in a bad way but in a good way. Many many blessings to you and to your adoptive native family.

As someone who's always wanted to go to Powwow this made me cry at the absolute beauty of the Indigenous culture. I wish this country respected the care takers of this land, as they deserve.

DK, Appreciate You Breaking Down Barriers And Showing The True Heart And Respect Our Culture Has Not Only For Our People But Other People As Well. 🤲 🙌 🙏

I respect these people so much, I would love to visit such an event one day, unfortunately I live quite far away in Bulgaria

As an Arab woman that can no longer dance myseld due to neuropathy in my feet..I really enjoy watching people lose themselves in dance. Cultural dancing is so beautiful. Seeing you and others like you show so much respect is joyful for me. Dancing is powerful, healing and makes your heart sing like nothing else can. Well done Markian. ❤

I am Chickasaw Native from Southeast Oklahoma, born in Idabel, within the Choctaw Nation. I am really glad you have shared a powwow experience to the world! I've been to many, and it is always spiritually moving! Everyone should try an Indian Taco with a real fry bread recipe. TY so much for this series..................sincerely, your newest subscriber! 👏👏👏👏

I am mixed European and Mexican, some of my blood is Indigenous (Tarahumara/Raramuri tribe). I've thought a few times it would be so amazing to dance in a Pow-Wow, I just want to be sure I don't overstep any boundaries. It strikes me that to a certain extent, our Aztec/Mexika dancing is equivalent to Pow-Wow dancing.

I was deprived of my culture still learning who I am. I have always been in-touch with my natural being. These types of videos make me smile and happy. Yesss they are still here. And going no place.

As a treaty 4 saulteaux indigenous woman I appreciate the respect and willingness to listen and learn and to pass these stories and ways of our people to others around the world. You shouldn't have to worry about culture appropriation as I feel you came with the right mindset and approached it with great respect and followed all protocols that were in place. Thank you for using your platform to tell stories like these hiy hiy ❤

I've been loving this series. I'm native american from Canada. It's so cool to see my native brothers and sisters and kookums, from across the border. Thank you for sharing this. 🫶🏾

Your respect shines and your appreciation is very valuable ! I am not Native but do think the lady in the video is right - traditions should be kept and respected. Truly hope that future generations will NEVER lose true connection to nature. There is a lot to learn from each other - no war, no blood shed, only peace. Negative kills and positive heals - support each other, value each other, protect what is good. Community and family are valuable.

This was extremely touching for me. I’ve had the same questions you have and I really really admired the way your kept your conversation do I say sacred ? Because that’s what it was !! I also feel you left with things in your heart that no amount of money could buy !!! Thank you so much for sharing your epic experience with me !!

when Markian danced, it gave me goosebumps and made me emotional.

My great/grandma is Cherokee. I hadn't been to a powwow in along time..Thank you for videotaping this one. It made me very emotional to watch. Blessings always....

Not a lot of people actually take time from their life to get to know us indigenous people, the fact you did this and put yourself out there shows a lot of respect. Great video.

As a native Mi'kmaq woman, I try to teach other people and young kids that it's okay for people to appreciate cultures, and you have proved how beautiful it is to share cultures. I love this representation of family and kindness through my people. Kwe' Nitap.

I am part Cherokee and have danced with them and Ogala Lakota, but not at any pow wows. It was fantastic. I absolutely love watching all of the various Native American pow wow dances. All of the regalia is always so beautiful.

It s a huge honor to share this moment, those clothes, the spirit of them. I would be glad too. Native people is fascinating, history, wisdom, way of life. I am jewish living in Paris but a part of me strangely belongs to this culture. I am really respectful, and fond of native people.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

I love this, if our brothers and sisters don’t receive authentic information about the culture then we cannot expect their people to understand the culture. I love the authenticity and camaraderie between this young man and appreciate the time taken to represent

I stumbled upon your series and I too, like many who commented, started crying while you put on Devan's regalia. What an honor! I'm not sure how you got thru this without tears. Your spirit has just set sail!

Living in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 where they try to change our culture and our way, we still here. I respect everything you’ve have done Markian. I respect this 3 series video and all of them. And congrats to all your team. This have been a great great time watching your vlogs. Enjoy your trip.

As a native I really appreciate you taking your time to experience the culture and your so brave for dancing 🔥 truly inspiring brutha 💯🤝🏽 your dancing was great 🔥🤌🏽🤌🏽

Australian here. My man you shined with spirit and how to approach something as complex as this with grace and understanding. When you first walked out in full regalia you stood tall. Well done mate

You have the biggest balls to be able to do that. I can’t imagine how self conscious and nervous you were wearing his outfit and knowing literally everyone there was probably staring at you in confusion. Anyway I loved this and look forward to seeing what you do next on this channel 🫡

I am First Nations, from the Nehēyiwak Nation. And I am happy that you are respectful with his outfit and with just learning about our people. Yes, those eagle feathers can't be carried by others. But I trust that you gave them the amount of respect they deserve and I am totally fine with you dancing among us. Because his family trusts you, so I trust you.

Proud of you man, honestly when you start dancing its an amazing feeling.

Props to you for dancing in the pow wow! You did this the best way possible. You were outstandingly respectful and you learned as much as you could about culture and background on natives.

I’m Mexican American, (born and raised in Denver, CO. My parents from Chihuahua, Mex) and I LOVE Native American culture!! So beautiful 🥹❤️❤️❤️

This was really beautiful to watch, and I found myself getting teary eyed many times over. I am home with our native americans. They are the first culture, the SPIRIT of our land is best expressed by them and them alone. May the great spirit always bless our Natives and may this video, inspire and touch others, as it did for me. Good work! Stay true young man.

I am a Canadian Native,and I am glad to see a non-native try to fit into a Native community. He is doing great.

When Devon explained that he wanted to share his culture i went overwhelmed with joy. Its beautiful to see this and all these videos that lead up to this moment.

This evoked so much emotion in me and I feel this is the best video you could ever do

I want you to know you definitely nailed the dancing part, to me you looked like a natural 😊 Thank you for the respect and also thank you very much for making this video 🙏 Aho!

As a Saulteaux/Ojibwa from Canada I really enjoyed the video and how you respected the culture and people. 🇨🇦🙂

as a non-native black woman with NO trace of Cherokee Princess in my bloodline (hahaha) -- I gotta say, you were bold. EVEN if I were invited to dance in a Jingle Dress or ANY native raiment, I don't think I would. you were brave AND so humble! thank you for sharing.

I was so excited for this video, as a Native American of 3 tribes I respect your openess to our culture.

Back in 1990, Ft Benning GA, I was in basic training with a non-indiginous man that, learned grass dance. He made himself, present at powwows. He just kept going and learning the dances. He spoke to elders from different tribes. He would go and dance, intertribals, as much as he can. Slowly, he gained trust of indigenous people, at different powwows. He became a regular, at certain powwows, near his home town. And at one celebration, during the Thursday night session, a friend of his, offered to let him ware, pieces of an outfit, to dance in. The indigenous friend, danced with him. So by the time he was a senior in high school, he grass danced non competitively, at a couple of powwows.

As a indigenous person watching this I love seeing non native people dancing and respecting are culture and religion I love how you honour indigenous culture and people You are so talented and you dance amazing I can’t wait to see you at a powwow in the future ❤

Omg, I got so emotional seeing you dance. Im native and you made me proud. Great job and thank you for being so open and respectful

As said, you're doing this out of a good heart. At my reservation many light skinned Natives dance in Pow wows with no issue. My grandma told my white boyfriend one time.... (He saw a man in Regalia, very nice Regalia, out dancing at our Pow wow. This Pow wow was from the Northern Cheyenne Nation - My bloodline) My Boyfriend was shocked to see this blond haired, blue eyed, alabaster skinned man dancing. This man danced very well also. He asked grandma if he was allowed to do that and "will they kick him out?" Grandma just laughed so hard and said, "No, be proud, he is from your tribe" That being said.... you wore the Regalia at an appropriate time. You respected the outfit. You asked questions so as to show deep respect to everything and everyone around you. You weren't trying to wear it at Coachella, or some party thinking your cool. I'm looking at you K. Kardashi...... you all get it. Thanks for doing this video. It was great. Also, just a fyi... Many tribes out there with different cultures. You want to learn what it is like to be American. I suggest trying to hang out with a lot of different tribes. One might say... The First Americans.

AWMEEE!! I loved this so much!!! You looked great in regalia and you got some moves!!! You danced with your heart. And you explained dancing on the arbour perfectly when you said "It felt like this wasn't about me"... That is the exact feeling :) Our spirit is out there praying, healing, and dancing for others with the drums. You don't feel judged, you don't feel eyes on you. Like Devan wisely said, as he hinted to experiencing life beyond the powwow circle, "its you versus you"...... Thank you for sharing some of our culture and history. Thank you for all of your thoughtful questions and all the respect that you've shown. It's great that you came across good teachers and it's even better to see this sharing be done in a good way. Ayhay, Miigwetch!! Great video!

Vids like this mean so much to me. I’m Cree/Métis/Norwegian so watching non-native people enjoy my culture in a way my mom was able to is so special to me

i’m proud for this guy cause he’s representing of one of the tribe. I’m proud to be part of the Cherokee Tribe in North Carolina

Aahhhh I love thisss!!! I’m Cree and Métis (Canada) and seeing foreigners trying to learn and grow with the indigenous culture. And I feel like this is bigger than what it is. Exploring a repressed and “dying culture” is amazing! I’m glad you learn the teachings

One thing you have to learn about my people is we like to mess with and make jokes the more fun it is the more you learn so the elders all have good sense of humor 😂😂

Watching you dance I was literally cheering you on through the tv! haha I was wondering if I'd feel conflicted, but you really earned the privilege. I could really see the change in you while you were dancing, it truly does sweep you away in a trance, suddenly you're not dancing by yourself, you're dancing with the spirits and the ancestors, and the moves just flow through you to the beat of the drum. Miigwetch for showing our culture in such a beautiful way. You're officially a deadly uncle!!

I'm a grass dancer and think it's cool you went out there and had the opportunity to dance in that circle. Alot of non natives think pow wows are just for natives. Pow wows are inclusive and for everyone. I've seen other non natives dance and sing. As long as you do it the right way it's all good.

as a Native American it’s cute to show how our culture does stuff, we live our midsommar fantasy

This was my favorite video of the series. Thank you for teaching us so much!! Thank you Devan and the Native American family!! Great job Markian

This video came up and gave me warmth to my soul, the appropriate appreciation I’ve ever seen showed in your spirit. Thank you, this made me home sick more in a good way

Gosh i feel like im there ! This is just Awesome to me ! I am part Cherokee and have never been taught anything , but im learning , im learning . I get to go to my first Pow Wow in October and i am beyond excited ! Much Love and respect to all .

great watch i'm indigenous as well and love powwows so to see you actually respect our community was very touching ❤

As an indigenous person. I am proud of it. No one can mock or make me or my tribe feel inferior. I wish more Caucasian people would be willing to walk in my shoes. Pow Wows are ritual and sacred.

I'm very thankful to have met & the interview with me. I'll be at the 2023 Ft Hall Festival again. Very nice people. ❤

Now, I'd like to go to a Pow Wow!! To watch the dance, and experience the culture!! Through the years, I have known some people that were half or a quarter Native American. I was lucky to travel across country with my parents in the early 70's and be in some Native American areas. This Pow Wow dance looks so amazing and I'd love to go to something like this!!❤

I’m so glad you’re participating, listening, learning about native culture and dancing in ceremony 🪶❤️

Your series sounds great, I have not seen them all yet but this is why I feel so blessed for being an Army Brat... I have lived with majority African American around me when I was in Alabama, then mostly Hispanic while up in Oregon, Native American in Oklahoma and South Dakota. There is no one way to explain the United States, we are a great big Spicey Stir Fry!!!

I’m am indigenous and really appreciate how you admire the culture you don’t make it about you the eagle feather symbolizes strength and healing the drum sound is empowering and healing.thank you. AHO! QUILUTE!

I enjoyed this video. Although I did get a weird feeling seeing you dance but the way you gave back to our people made me see this in a different way. Thank you for being so respectful ❤

You did a terrific job as always. God bless you and everyone here.

To dance powwow, you learn your own dance! You create it from positivity. I'm a Fancy Shawl dancer and there's ways of dancing but that's its your way of dancing but there's one rule, dance with positivity and pride.

the ultimate form of culture appreciation i think ive ever seen, im navajo and was really happy to see you really immersed in the culture!

Man Sonny Eaglespeaker is a legend he sadly passed away a few months back but it was awesome to hear his voice again

I haven't yet finished the video cause I got to go back to work. Been looking forward to seeing this episode. Celebrating one another's culture is so important to me. It's how we grow and learn. Gain compassion knowledge, understanding and wisdom. As long as we do in a manor of mindfulness pride and respect. No need for fear.

This video brought tears to my eyes. Giving respect to and honoring the culture was shown through his dance. Loved it!

My goodness my heart is beating a thousand miles per hour seeing you in his dancing gear. *A true honor* I’m just amazed. What an amazing experience you had!!!!

I appreciate you doing this and sharing with everyone. It is an eye opener for me. I hope others can learn and respect Native life and culture. I never knew Powwows are open to the public and I never have gone to one fearing about offending or being disrespectful (I am not raised on a res). I have to attend one someday so I can truly experience in person. I have been doing research about myself and where I come from and been wanting to learn more about my family and ancestors but do so in the most respectful of ways and be able to pass that knowledge down. I feel that when it is not taught or forgotten then you lose a significant piece of yourself. When I buy a book or listen to a story, I want it to support the community and culture it belongs to, not someone trying to steal someone's culture and sell it back for a profit. It saddens me that this happens at all. I'm happy that you are giving back with what you earn from this, you are a good man and have a good heart. Thank you again for sharing and being respectful about it.

Mad respect to you, Markian. All of the videos in this series have been amazing but this one takes the cake for sure.

Ppl maybe upset at me for saying this, I am in support in non natives experiencing and learning the true beauty and unity of our culture. It is time other nationalities see and understand the beauty and togetherness of it all. Congratulations on your bravery and courage to follow through with this respectively! Cree native from Canada.

Just a few things. 1. We like to be referred to as Indigenous or Native. 2. This was a competition powwow. There are also traditional powwows. 3. Eagle feathers are just not allowed to be possessed by non-natives but it is illegal. It’s a felony for anyone that is not a member of a federally recognized tribe to possess eagle feathers. Right along with peyote. We don’t buy eagle feathers, they are almost always gifted or earned unless we get a whole eagle that we are able to clean and then get to keep the feathers. 4. What we wear when we dance is not an outfit, not a COSTUME it’s our regalia. Each type has different meanings and reasons why we wear what we wear. It’s usually to replicate animals. We dance as the animals to best of “mother earth” to give thanks. Like the woman that wear shawls(shawl dancers) they are replicating the eagle that soars. I could go on about our culture but thank you for this video! I love seeing my people! ❤ Ps. One not so fun fact that everyone don’t know and needs to know in regards to “blood quantum” and tribal membership. We are the only race that still has to legally carry our “papers”. Our “papers” nowadays is in form of a little id (tribal id). What the government still does to us nowadays is still demeaning and atrocious. And go find yourself a Native. We are loving caring and funny as hell people. We always laughing and loving! The creator is great! ❤😂

When you decided to trust yourself on the grass. I felt comfort trusting you with our culture too, I appreciate you for respecting us and showing your genuine curiosity and I respect you for learning.. You are an amazing spirit Markian.

Thank you for this video, the Indigenous peoples are so amazing I hope more people will want to learn about the different cultures and traditions among them. I have a great respect for them and wish them blessings and to stay safe and strong .

this made me cry in a good way, from my perspective this is cultural appreciation ❤ i’m very proud