Making Regalia - Episode 1 

Not all of we native American's can get together so he has his right's to be on here like anyone. And he does talk history but you may have missed that

he is native

I mean, participating and wearing regalia, is not disrespectful, as long as you are not using it as costume, for attention, being directly disrespectful and are well educated. There is a fine line between cultural appropriation, and appreciation, and as long as you are embracing it and being respectful all should be fine. If you enjoy it, go for it

I am Irish, Scottish, and Cheyenne by blood, so I do understand where you are coming from with regards to wanting to honor your heritage without offending anyone. In all my years growing up going to Pow Wows, my observation and understanding is thus - If you are not a registered tribal member, you do not dance except in Inter-tribal dances or if you are openly invited to do so during specific songs. Competition dances are strictly for tribal members in full regalia. Those who are attending Pow Wows to celebrate their culture don't necessarily HAVE to wear regalia of any sort, some even dance in just their street clothes on inter-tribal songs. Those who do wear some regalia but are not dancing to compete often just wear a ribbon shirt, perhaps some jewelry, a choker, and sometimes moccasins in lieu of a full dance outfit. Women also wear or carry a shawl (as I do). If you have general cultural questions, you can often speak to some of the people attending. For rules specific to the Pow Wow you are attending, the MC will indicate someone who is specifically there on the floor to attend to issues, questions, etc while the MC directs which drum sings what type of song and at what time, as well as any ceremonies to be held during the Pow Wow. There are various sources for finding more information and gaining a better understanding of Pow Wow rules and etiquette, and each Pow Wow can and sometimes do have specific rules that others might not have, so check with the organizers for specific rules for that Pow Wow, some even give out information pamphlets for you to read when you attend. Below are two links to help get you started. opi.mt.gov/Portals/182/Page%20Files/Indian%20Education/Indian%20Education%20101/PowWows.pdf www.travelok.com/article_page/understandingthepowwow

I dont know how old you are, but if you are a "tribal baby", you can contact the b.i.a, they should have records of your birth parents (tribe). I believe it was in the '70s the i.c.w law came into effect that no tribal baby can be adopted to non tribal members. But like i said i dont know how old you are so i would start there. As far as powwows, i would go to a powwow and talk to an elder: most are always willing and wanting to share their knowledge. Ask them the questions you have face to face. Because not all answers on the internet are correct. Until then, i would urge you to check out powwows.com they have a section that tells all about what powwows are and powwow etiquette. Good luck to you

Well, to follow along with this first segment...you need paper, scissors, and a ruler...

yeah. I was frustrated. my mistake. I kept on watching.

Freely Wheeling y'all feel free to tell me to shut up if I'm wrong) regalia is very personal - it is yours and your story to tell. While many people pick to focus on a color of the medicine wheel, there are plenty who don't do so. One of my friends, Wally, has almost entirely pink regalia. He chose pink to remember his mother, who died from cancer. There are also many dragonflies hiding on his regalia, because they remind him of the spirits of his ancestors.

Meredith French I'm learning to dance shawl! I'm really excited to make all my regalia. All the women's regalia styles are so lovely they take my breath away.

Perhaps this was his first video and he was nervous. Maybe you can make another one and post it on RU-vid for others to criticize and pick out all the things you did or said wrong.

seriously? How disrespectful. You could have, and should have stopped at "learned a few things." smh