How are modern powwows more inclusive than many earlier Native dance events?

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Native American dance Aztec round dance for Quetzalcóatl and Xolotl (a dog-headed god who is Quetzalcóatl's companion), detail from a facsimile Codex Borbonicus (folio 26), c. 1520; original in the Chamber of Deputies, Paris, France.

Modern powwows are significantly more inclusive than pre-contact Native American dance events, which were historically restricted to members of a specific tribe and their friendly neighbors. In contrast, contemporary powwows are intertribal gatherings that welcome all individuals, including non-Indigenous spectators, to participate in or observe the celebration of American Indian culture.1

This shift toward inclusivity evolved over time, driven by several factors:

Pan-Indian Kinship: Following World War I, a new sense of friendship and shared identity emerged among different tribes, leading to increased interaction and the practice of inviting neighboring communities to dances.1
Urbanization: After World War II, the relocation of many Plains Indians to large urban areas fostered further intertribal collaboration. This allowed individuals from diverse backgrounds to adopt and share various Native American dance and music styles.1
Cultural Sharing: Today, participants actively seek to share the positive aspects of their traditions with outsiders, making these events open to the public.1