In the early 1800s Ponca’s are credited with creating the first powwow type ceremony and modern day powwows had developed among the Plains tribes in the 1920s. Powwows are gatherings of American Indians who come to dance, celebrate, pray, laugh and socialize. Throughout the years, powwows have evolved, contesting, or dancing competitively for prize money. The arena is a sacred but fun place, with its heartbeat residing in the music. The songs are divided into two main styles: Northern and Southern. Northern singers have a much higher pitch than the deep tones of the southern singers. Dancers bring life to the songs. At most powwows, the usual category of dances for men include northern traditional or southern straight, the grass dance, and
