The North American Indian Days is an annual event held on the Blackfeet Indian reservation usually in July and is billed as one of the biggest tribal get-togethers in North America. They say North American instead of the Unites States because some of the participants are from tribes that live in Canada. It lasts for about a week, four days according to the advertisements, but everybody’s there early and leaves late so plan on at least five or six days if you want the full experience.

Yesterday we brought you images from the Men’s Dancing contests. Today we showcase the Women’s Dancing categories. Women’s dances are different from the men as they tend to dance in a more sedate fashion showing their dancing skills in a gentler more refined way, unlike the leaping, fierce posturing of the men. The women are gentler, not less strong, just gentler. The women’s dances are performed to show their grace and beauty, and they are beautiful as you shall see as the you view the following images.

At the beginning of each of the dancing contests the individuals who will be participating enter the arena as a group. First all the men’s categories, then all the women’s categories until all the participants are in the arena together.

Each of the members of the different categories enter together.

These are members of the Jingle dancers category

Named for the small bells of rolled metal attached to their skirts that strike one another during the dance causing a jingle-like sound.

The regalia worn varies from beautifully created traditional leather

To the equally beautiful bell covered dress of this Jingle dancer

Another style is the fringe on a more traditional dress

This young woman wars a traditional dress with a fancy shawl as she dances

Shawls and fancy capes are used frequently, the embroidery and design absolutely gorgeous

Some dancers swirl and turn as they dance causing the fringe on their shawls to form beautiful patterns

Others dance in a quieter manner as this young woman shows off her incredible dress and precise dance steps.

The demanding dance steps require focus and concentration while still presenting an image of beauty and charm.

Dancing sedately does not mean a lack of action as this woman shows in presentation

Form and attention to the meaning of the dance adds to the grace of the dancers

Sometimes the dancers get so involved in their performances it seems as if they are the only ones in the arena

Color combinations, the dancers poise, and the dance meld into perfect harmony

Another traditional style, notice the pair of baby’s shoes hanging from her waist.

This dress is covered with elk ivories which are the teeth of an elk that can be polished just like ivory and are highly sought after. The knife worn at her waist has a handle made from the antler of an elk. Every part of the animal was used, nothing was wasted.

As the days activities wore on the women were still dancing. They seemed tireless.

Determination written all over her face this dancer gives it her all.

All the women participate in the dancing each with their own special grace

During the final moments of the days dancing, everyone is in the arena dancing for the sheer joy of it.

Although the dances are segregated with men and women performing separately, first the men’s categories, then the women’s, there are several times during the competition, usually at the end where everyone, men and women alike, enter the arena and dance around the circle together. You are likely to see couples making their way around the circle, older folks who have obviously been together for years, and younger couples sometimes with some quiet flirting occurring, sometimes even entire families, the kids holding hands while walking next to mom or dad. Often times mothers holding young ones too small to walk make their way around the circle. Dancing starts early in their lives.

As you observed the women dancing you could see the fierce pride they take in participating in this event. Displaying their heritage and the self-respect in being a part of this large gathering of their peers, they project an aura of sophistication and beauty not often seen elsewhere. They are a huge part of this gathering and competition and rightfully so.