Loaf the Cat Goes To The Powwow

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Powwows are so special that even Loaf, who doesn’t like loud noises, is excited to be there with his boy Charlie. Talk with students about the powwow as a celebration of Native American tribal and intertribal history, culture, dance, song, crafts, food, and pageantry, and how the powwow reflects contemporary Native culture. Start with asking students what a Native American tribe is, discuss that there are some 600 Native American tribes in the U.S., and then together, research where tribal nations in your state are located. Help students recognize those specific Native communities by name and as people who live in current times, often involved in practicing living traditions. Many tribes have a website that can answer questions, provide resources, and may link to video featuring Native celebrations. Research together and learn about the powwows and celebrations that take place near you, looking especially to gain more understanding of the aspects of a powwow that Loaf observed, such as regalia, Grand Entry, honor song, and grass, jingle dress, and fancy shawl dances.

After you’ve finished your research, read Loaf the Cat Goes to the Powwow again, giving students the opportunity to reflect on their research and connect it to the story. Then have students think about celebrations they have in their own family or culture. What do those celebrations mean to them? What might they mean to their pets? Ask students to imagine and write their own story about a special celebration from the point of view of their pet, or if they don’t have a pet, from a friendly insect or other animal that might be observing what’s happening. Students can also draw pictures of the animals telling their story and plan to share their stories at a family literacy night or other gathering of students and their families.

If there are Native learners present in your class, understand and appreciate that they may experience this book and activities differently than non-Native students. 

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

1. What is a powwow? Have you ever been to or participated in a powwow? What did you learn about powwows from this book? What other questions do you have about powwows?
2. How is a powwow different from and similar to other special events in your community or traditional gatherings of your family and friends? How do you share your culture or identity with others, such as through clothing, traditions, dance, or songs? Why is it important to do so?
3. What is the significance of regalia? How does Loaf respond to the ribbons that Charlie sews onto his regalia? 
4. Do you think Loaf is a good name for the cat in this book? Why or why not? Given what else you know about Loaf’s personality, what other names do you think suit this cat?
5. What do Loaf’s actions reveal about her feelings toward Charlie? How does Charlie feel about Loaf?

Related Resources

Tribal Directory from the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
History of Native American Tribes from Native Hope
Cherokee Pow Wow Grand Entry (video)
Men's Grass dance (video) from Gathering of Nations Powwow
Jr Men's Grass dance (video) from Hunting Moon Powwow
Women’s Jingle dance (video) from Gathering of Nations Powwow
Women's Fancy Shawl dance (video) from Gathering of Nations Powwow