ABSTRACT
Music and dance are probably the forms of expression that have come, more than any other, to emblemize Plains Indian cultural identity. There are in fact many kinds of music and dance, and they deserve serious attention because Indian history and core values of kinship, honor, and humor are kept alive in musical performance. There are several powerful social motivations for people in Indian communities to participate in musical activities. A growing professionalism in Plains music allows the better singers and dancers to earn money as well as stature. Champion Plains Indian dancers are not only star athletes, but true cultural heroes who often excel in many life pursuits. Plains-style music and dance, along with the powwow format, have been taken up by Native people throughout the Americas. Music and dance are strong emblems of Plains Indian identity. Intertribal sharing of songs and dances has been cited as evidence of a Pan-Indian culture.
