Whatever the case is, Pow-wow singers are very important figures in Omaha Indian culture. Without them there would be no dancing. The songs are of many varieties, from religious to war to social. As various tribes gather together, they share their songs, often changing the songs so singers of different tribes could join. Thus, some songs today are sung with no words, yet still hold special meaning to those who know the song. Many songs are still sung in native tongue either newly composed or revivals of old songs. These songs are reminders to the Indian people of their old ways and rich heritage.

In its essence, a Pow-wow is a gathering of Native American tribe or tribes. It stands for a friendly meeting or congress of powerful people within the tribe, to which dignitaries from the ‘outside’ may also be invited.

A typical Omaha Indian Pow-wow features songs and dance, and each session begins with the Grand Entry, during which all the dancers line up by dance style and age and then enter the arena while one of the host drums sings a special song. Following the Grand Entry, a respected member of the community will be invited to give an invocation. This will be followed by a Flag Song, followed by a Victory or Veterans' Song. Besides those for the opening and closing of a Pow-wow session, there will also be intertribal songs, where a drum will sing a song and anyone who wants to can come and dance. With certain variations, the 1983 Omaha Indians Pow-wow at Macy, Nebraska, followed this format and the event was replete with songs of welcome and odes to courage and sacrifice.

The event featured a host of traditional songs and dances peculiar to the Omaha tribes. Ten of the most memorable tracks have been included on the Omaha Indian Music: Omaha Pow-wow Songs CD from A2ZCDS.