Round Dance - Northern Lakes College

Round Dance Information
For the Aboriginal peoples of northern Saskatchewan and Alberta, the cold months of
winter are round dance times. People from near and far gather for these traditional social dances
that are held indoors and last through the night often finishing after sunrise.
There are two types of round dances. Memorial round dances are put on by families to
honour their ancestors. It can be part of the mourning and healing process. Other round dances
are put on by organizations. These dances are intended to garner support and positive energy for
the organization. The give away portion of the round dance is also a chance for families and
organizations to share in their blessings, not unlike the potlatch notion of west coast First Nations
people.
The round dance we are organizing is in line with Northern Lakes College's mission
statement which begins "With respect for cultures and the needs of communities …" and their
strategic direction to "…celebrate Aboriginal history and culture." The donation from the
Students' Association suggests that students wish to support this type of activity as well.
Unlike pow-wows, which have become annual events promoted through flyers and
posters, round dance news is typically spread mostly by word of mouth. The family or
organization that sponsors a round dance will pass out tobacco to noted singers who specialize in
singing round dance songs - thereby inviting them to sing. Often, these invitations can happen
on short notice. It is typical for singers to be approached at a round dance and be invited to a
round dance that is a week or two away. During round dances, other such events are advertised
through announcements.
Filled with humour and good feelings, most songs that accompany a round dance feature
soaring vocals and the steady rhythmic pulse of the hand drum. However there are some honour
songs at certain points through the evening (opening and before give-away) that are more serious
in nature.
Although round dance songs can be sung on a large drum with the singers seated around
it, hitting and singing simultaneously (as done with pow-wow singing and drumming), round
dance songs are generally sung using hand held drums. Each singer holds a hand drum, striking it
with a beater while singing. Then, with the hand holding the taut chord or animal hide that holds
the head tightly in place, the drummer raises his fingernails slightly against the backside of the
vibrating head to produce a buzzing sound. Not limited by space around the large drum, the
hand drum allows other singers the opportunity to join the singing group and bring their songs to
the occasion.
Singers are often asked to sing only two or three songs in order to give other singers in
attendance the opportunity to sing. A singer will approach the center table and those who wish to
join him make their way to the table as well. The singer will usually lead the singers in the song
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and when the first song is done the singers will sit down and take a short breather while the lead
singer prepares another song. Once a singer has the first vocal phrases of the song, those in
attendance, who wish to dance, make their way to the dance floor.
Dancers stand shoulder to shoulder and hold hands and dance in a clockwise motion
using a side step in rhythm with the beat of the drums, swinging their joined hands as they go. As
more dancers move to the dance floor circles of dancers are formed around the singers in ever
larger circles in a wonderful display of community and harmony. Once a song finishes, dancers
return to their seats until the next one begins.
Generally 50/50 and various other draws (ribbon shirts, earrings, moccasins, etc) are held
during the round dance. All money raised through these draws will be pooled in to pay the
drummers, Stickman and MC. Sometimes larger raffles that are drawn at the round dance are
done to help support the cost of the organization of the round dance.
The Stickman is the grand marshal of the round dance. He works closely with organizers
to ensure that the round dance is done according to protocol. One of his jobs involves ensuring
that the drums are handled properly. He will ensure that there are enough drums, that the center
table is organized and that there are enough chairs for the singers. The Stickman will pass out
drumsticks to the singers and determine the order in which the attending singers will perform. He
will also provide drinking water for singers and keep the center area clean. He coordinates the
give-away ceremonial portion of the round dance.
Round dances begin with a pipe ceremony which includes the blessing of the feast. Male
elders perform the pipe ceremony and accompanying prayers and any males present may join
them in smoking the pipe. The supper that is provided generally includes traditional foods such
as heart, duck and nose soup, fish, moose meat and berries as well as contemporary foods such as
turkey, potatoes, salads, etc.. Coffee and tea are kept in steady supply. As round dances last
well into the morning, there is usually a meal break called "lunch" provided by those sponsoring
the round dance.
Just before midnight the sponsors will have a "Give-away ceremony" with the help of the
Stickman. Four Elders will be asked to do "Honour prayers". Tobacco and a blanket are given to
these Elders as gifts. The sponsors are requested to line up on the right side of where the Elders
are seated. There are two slow dances with honour drumming, where the sponsors are expected
to dance following the Stickman. The general public will be expected to stand during this time as
a sign of respect. After the dancing the sponsors will work as a group to give all the "Giveaway"
items to the general public. This may take up to an hour. All who receive gifts will be
expected to dance on the spot (one dance). The round dance then continues as directed by the
stickman.
The dance generally continues based on the energy level of those present. The sponsor
and the stickman will read the mood of the crowd to determine when to do the final dance - the
apple dance. This involves passing apples around to all the dances as their final farewell gift.
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