The Native American Contest Powwow: Cultural Tethering Theory

Description

The Native American Contest Powwow introduces Cultural Tethering Theory to convey the importance of the contest powwow in the celebration and preservation of Native American culture. The book addresses the concepts of culture, cultural change, acculturation, assimilation, and illustrates how competitive powwows align with and differ from competitive sporting events. Authors Steven Aicinena and Sebahattin Ziyanak go on to explain how the modern intertribal contest powwow evolved and why modern Native American cultures are experiencing an erosion of traditional values, a rapid loss of traditional languages, dysfunctional changes in social organization, limited opportunity to transmit culturally valued knowledge, and reduced opportunities for youths to observe culturally appropriate behavior. The authors also examine Native American identity and explore who can legitimately claim to be a Native American under current laws and customs. Additional topics addressed include blood quantum, cultural knowledge, cultural participation, being Indian, and playing Indian. Finally, the authors describe the difference between being Native American and playing Indian in powwow and pseudo-cultural powwow environments. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Contents List of Figures and Tables Figures Table Introduction Organization of the Book Chapter 1: The Powwow: From Sacred Spiritual Gathering to Competitive Event Where Did the Term “Powwow” Come From? What Is a Native American Powwow? What Types of Powwows Are There? What Factors Led to the Development of the Contest Powwow? Notes Chapter 2: Similarities and Differences between the Gathering of Nations Contest Powwow and a University of New Mexico Lobo Basketball Game Introduction Review of Literature Methods Findings Discussion and Conclusions Note Chapter 3: Contest Powwow Dancing as a Competitive Sport Literature Review Research Questions Methodology Findings Discussion Conclusion Note Chapter 4: The Contest Powwow Announcers: Mediators of Culture and Traditions Review of Literature Methods Results and Discussion Conclusion Note Chapter 5: Is the Contest Powwow a Spiritual Ceremony? Review of Literature The Current Study Findings and Discussion Conclusions Note Chapter 6: The Contest Powwow: A Ceremony Fostering Tradition and Change Literature Review Method Findings and Discussion Conclusions Chapter 7: Cultural Tethering Theory Review of Literature Native American Identity: Who Are “Real Indians?” Change in Native American Culture The Cultural Tethering Theory Conclusion Notes Index