The Native American Contest Powwow: Cultural Tethering Theory

The Native American Contest Powwow introduces Cultural Tethering Theory to understand the importance of the contest powwow and what it means to participants, carrying on the beauty of Native American culture. The book addresses the concepts of culture, cultural change, acculturation, assimilation, and how this competitive dancing ritual aligns with and differs from traditional sports. Authors Steven Aicinena and Sebahattin Ziyanak go on to explain why modern Native American cultures are experiencing an erosion of traditional values, a rapid loss of traditional languages, changes in social organization, limited opportunity to learn culturally-valued knowledge, reduced opportunity to observe culturally appropriate behavior, and the influence of technology. The book also examines Native American identity and who can legitimately claim to be a Native American under current laws and customs. Additional topics addressed include blood quantum, cultural knowledge, participation, being Indian, and playing Indian. Finally, the authors describe the difference between being Native American and playing Indian in powwow and pseudo-cultural powwow environments.