The People - A term that Native Americans use to describe themselves. Most people have a term in their vocabulary which translates to mean "People" and this is often how they refer to themselves.

Arbor - The arbor is the shelter that is set in the middle of the circle under which the drums sit. The arbor serves as shelter from the elements for the singers. Traditionally the arbor is set in the center of the Circle as the Drum is considered the "Heartbeat of the People."

Drum - A group of individuals who sing Native American songs, both Traditional and Contemporary.

Head Dancer - The person(s) who lead the People in the Dances. All of the dancers will follow the cues of the Head Dancer. Head Dancers are not only terrific dancers, but should be respected members of the Native Community as they lead us to protocol and by example in the circle.

The Circle - The Dance Area/ circle is very sacred to Native People being everything in existence is modeled after it.

Regalia - The traditional dress of the People. These are not "Costumes" as we do not wear them on Halloween, but rather painstakingly beaded, quilled, painted or embroidered garments that are modeled after the clothing of our ancestors. It is not uncommon to see dancers dressed in "Pan-American" style which incorporates many Nations.

Nation - A group of People who share the same language, customs and beliefs. Examples: Cherokee, Lakota, Aztec, Arapaho, Lenape, Seminole and Apache.

Bands - The Lakota & Cherokee and many other tribes have them. Separate groups of people that are a part of a whole.

Clan - A specific family tree that is part of a band, which is then part of the Nation. Some examples: Wolf, Fox, Hawk, Bear & Turtle.

Traditional Dancer - A dancer (male or female) that dances in the traditional style of their People.

Grass Dancer - A dancer (male) whose regalia is covered in yarn to represent grass. He will spin around and around in order to press the grass down in preparation for the other dancers.

Fancy Dancer - A dancer (male) that moves extremely fast as they spin and step very high. You will easily recognize them by their large and brightly colored bustles and head pieces.

Jingle Dancer - A dancer (female) that makes their regalia from cotton then cover them with the tins from snuff containers. As they dance, the lids collide making a beautiful "jingling" sound.

Shawl or Ladies Fancy Dancer - A Woman is never supposed to enter a circle without her shawl. These ladies do their dances with style, grace and ENERGY. They are the equivalent of the Men Fancy Dancers.

TIPI - The Lakota word that means "To Live Within." As you may have guessed, many different People have their own words for the lodge. Not all People lived in lodges. Some Examples: Wigwams, long houses, hogans, pueblos & igloos.

Frybread - Delicious!! (Call Kelley Moonwater Frederick for a great recipe.)

Arena Director - The person, usually a man, who assists the dancers in protocols and regalia preparation before entering the circle, keeps the events on schedule, ensures spectators enter circle only when invited.

Storyteller - Person who tells not only stories from memory, but can spin tales of present day Native Life.