MARTIN:

How big is this powwow? How many people are here?

LOUISE:

I don't know. People come and go. Maybe hundreds.

MALE:

Maybe a thousand. Do you see where the cars and trucks are parked?

MARTIN:

Yes, they're parked all around on the hills.

MALE:

Some people have their tents too.

LOUISE:

There is a whole village over there.

MARTIN:

It's wonderful. It's like a fair or a festival.

LOUISE:

I think people all over the world must like gatherings like this.

MALE:

It's important to see our friends and relatives.

MARTIN:

You said this powwow was for different tribes. Is that right?

MALE:

Yes. Many tribes have powwows for their own people too.

MARTIN:

Can you give me some examples?

MALE:

Oh, there are too many. I'll give you one example. I belong to the Arapaho tribe. I go to an Arapaho powwow. Our people come from all over the United States and Canada.

LOUISE:

We usually go to several powwows each year.

MARTIN:

Wait a minute, please. I want to look at these. What do you call them?

LOUISE:

Rattles.

MARTIN:

I saw the dancers holding them.

LOUISE:

Yes, you must have them for some dances.

MALE:

This man makes them.

MARTIN:

I'm happy to meet you. Show me how you hold them.

MALE:

Like this.

LOUISE:

Excuse me, I want Martin to see the food. Have you tried fry bread?

MARTIN:

Yes, I have. I liked it.

LOUISE:

Here we are.

MARTIN:

Show me how it's made.

MALE:

Excuse me. I'll meet you where the bead work is.

LOUISE:

We'll come when we're finished. OK. First you make a dough.

MARTIN:

Is it like bread dough?

LOUISE:

Yes. I use a little sugar in mine at home. Then you fry it in hot cooking oil. This is how it's done. Watch.

MARTIN:

It looks easy.

LOUISE:

It is. That's why everyone likes it. You can make it anywhere.

MARTIN:

For example?

LOUISE:

Of course you can make it in your kitchen. But you can make it outdoors too.

MARTIN:

You mean when you're camping?

LOUISE:

Yes, you just need a little fire. It cooks very quickly. Here, taste it.

MARTIN:

That's delicious.

LOUISE:

Let's look at some of the arts and crafts.

MARTIN:

Do you think powwows are important?

LOUISE:

Yes, I do.

MARTIN:

Can you give me some examples?

LOUISE:

Look at all these crafts. See this bead work? This craft had almost died out. Now it's been revived.

MARTIN:

How?

LOUISE:

Because now people can sell it.

MALE:

It's important for people to get together and talk about problems too. Native Americans from different parts of the country come together and discuss possible actions or solutions. In the past fifteen years the powwow has grown to be very important.

MARTIN:

That's great.

MALE:

Would you like to join the dance, Martin?

MARTIN:

I don't think so.

LOUISE:

You must!

MARTIN:

Can you show me how it's done?

MALE:

Of course. Then we can join the dancers. Come on. This is how it's done.