Gr 5 Up--Pheasant-Neganigwane, a lifelong Anishinaabe competitive powwow dancer and educator, summarizes the basics of powwow culture through a series of sections highlighting its origins, current elements, songs and dances, and regional differences across Canada and the United States. The author clearly explains the origins of the powwow within colonization, as well as its evolution and growing popularity. Sidebars describe different elements of the powwow, supplementing the main text, while other pullout sections provide directions for popular First Nations recipes. A range of high-quality, black-and-white photographs from different powwows also supplement the text. A glossary and an index are included in the back matter. The book is clearly organized and educational--an incredibly useful tool for both school and public libraries. Readers will enjoy learning about current powwows as well as their rich history within Indigenous culture. VERDICT This comprehensive primer of the history and importance of the powwow in North American Indigenous culture is a necessary purchase.

Pheasant-Neganigwane introduces readers to powwows, public celebrations of Indigenous songs and dances, by recounting some personal experiences as a powwow dancer. She then explains that these events developed in the late 1800s, specifically in response to North American colonialism and repressive laws, and describes today's powwow culture (including parades, foods, competitions, and giveaways), songs and dances (specific steps for men, women, and children, as well as drumming protocols), and regional differences. Chapters are divided into short, manageable sections, headlined for easy reference. The book is generously illustrated with captioned, crisp-edged images, including both stock and personal photographs. Numerous sidebars provide pullout quotes, powwow facts, recipes, and personal accounts. Throughout, Pheasant-Neganigwane stresses the importance of these celebrations as a means of passing on cultural traditions, healing family dysfunction resulting from Indian residential schools and discriminatory laws, and instilling a sense of pride in the heritage of these nations. Attractive, informative, and essential for diverse collections.