The highly anticipated 2010 Black Hills Pow Wow will take place this weekend, October 8-10, at Rapid City’s Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. In its 24th year, the Black Hills Pow Wow is a three-day event filled with Native American singing, dancing, drum groups, handgames, athletic competitions and a variety of other events. Pow wow organizers expect more than 1,200 dancers to participate this year.

The pow wow is open to the public and held primarily indoors. Pow wows are incredible events that combine music, movement, dance and tradition to help tribal people reconnect and share their cultural heritage.

If you’ve never been to a Native American pow wow before, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help you fully appreciate the experience. The advice below comes from the Alliance of Tribal Tourism Advocates.

• Attend with an open mind and be willing to learn and share in the event, when invited to do so.
• Be respectful of all pow wow participants and their regalia. Don’t touch any part of their outfit or take photos, unless you ask for permission first. If a piece of a dancer’s regalia is dropped – leave it be. Let the dancer know and they will retrieve it on their own.
• Pay attention to the master of ceremonies and stand during the grand entrance, honor songs and any other times when requested to do so.
• Above all, enjoy the experience and if you are unsure of anything, be sure to ask a member of the pow wow committee for clarification.

If you are able to attend the Black Hills Pow Wow this weekend, you’re guaranteed to be impressed by the event and will most likely learn something about Native American traditions in the process.

General admission day-passes for the Black Hills Pow Wow are $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 5-17. Children four and under and adults 65 and older are admitted free. Tickets are available at the door or by contacting the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.