Many state tourism bureaus are wanting to include Indian powwows in their calendar of events. This would mean non Indian tourists are officially welcomed to attend the listed powwows.
Sometimes this is a win-win situation for the larger "mega powwows." These mega powwows actually encourage non Indians tourism as a way of gaining revenue to pay expenses.
But there is another side to tourism at powwows. . .
It is my firm belief that "Indian powwows are for the enjoyment of it's participants - not tourism." The majority of Indian powwows have predominately all Indian participation. Most are small to medium in size and are community or tribally based. They work on a shoestring budget and have fundraising activities as part of the program.
Let's say that Indian powwows do open themselves to non Indian tourism. What implications would go along with this?
I can see where a new set of standards would have to be addressed.
Among these new standards would be: Handicap accessability, health code restrictions, Insurance, taxes on goods and services to non Indians, permanent seating arrangements for non Indians close to the arena, close access parking for tour busses, and various other hospitality accommodations.
These new standards for tourism accommodation would ultimately change traditional powwows as we know them
What is your take on this?
Sometimes this is a win-win situation for the larger "mega powwows." These mega powwows actually encourage non Indians tourism as a way of gaining revenue to pay expenses.
But there is another side to tourism at powwows. . .
It is my firm belief that "Indian powwows are for the enjoyment of it's participants - not tourism." The majority of Indian powwows have predominately all Indian participation. Most are small to medium in size and are community or tribally based. They work on a shoestring budget and have fundraising activities as part of the program.
Let's say that Indian powwows do open themselves to non Indian tourism. What implications would go along with this?
I can see where a new set of standards would have to be addressed.
Among these new standards would be: Handicap accessability, health code restrictions, Insurance, taxes on goods and services to non Indians, permanent seating arrangements for non Indians close to the arena, close access parking for tour busses, and various other hospitality accommodations.
These new standards for tourism accommodation would ultimately change traditional powwows as we know them
What is your take on this?
Comment