Usually a weekend gathering, a pow-wow (Algonquian for “gathering”) features dancers in a variety of colorful outfits representing different aspects of Plains culture.  Dancers compete in different categories as well as participate in social and honor dances.  Pow-wows are held across the country and have become a pan-tribal experience.  Casinos will sponsor pow-wows providing significant promotion, prize money and appearance fees for singing groups. 

Northern-style pow-wow songs features men (very infrequently women) sitting around a horizontal hide drum (the size of a bass drum) which they will beat in unison as they sing in a brilliant, high falsetto, full voice.  New songs are made each year and the output of top song makers is always in demand.  Northern-style pow-wow is derived from the tribes of the northern Plains (Dakotas, Montana, Canada). Dance types range from grand entry to intertribal, traditional, flag, honor song, contest dances, jingle dress and round dance.