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Native American Powwow Drumbeats cut through the heavy summer air, accompanied by a soloist singing the introduction of the song. Native American dancers remain still, posed like mannequins, until the introduction is complete. When the members of the drum ensemble raise their voices, the dancers come to life. Brightly colored bustles and elaborate headdresses quiver as the competitors dance. Visitors travel great distances for the opportunity to witness the festive dance competitions at a powwow, but the events are more than competitions or public exhibitions. For Native Americans, powwows provide cultural continuity, allowing them to participate in their culture and pass it on to the next generation. Two large powwows are held in Montana—the Arlee Celebration on the Flathead Reservation
and North American Indian Days on the Blackfeet Reservation. Each powwow commences with the Grand Entry, as participants dance their way around the arena in spiral formation until all participants have formed a tight circle around each other. After the tribal members perform a flag song, treated with respect like our national anthem, the competitive dancing begins.