When President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Comanches and other tribes during a hunting expedition to the Southern Plains in 1903, he was honored at Indian give-away ceremonies. Among the gifts that the President received from his hosts were buffalo robes, braided ropes, and an eagle feather warbonnet. President Roosevelt was probably informed that this was a long standing tradition among these people and therefore responded graciously to the feasts, songs, dances, and gifts that were given in his honor.

It is difficult for non-Indian people, as well as Indians who do not practice the give-away tradition, to understand the concept of being honored or receiving gifts at such a celebration. The honoring ceremony (sometimes called honoring dance, or give-away) is usually sponsored by a family or group in recognition of the accomplishments of some individual. Formerly, honoring dances were held for warriors returning from battle. Today, an honoring ceremony may occur as a separate event or be incorporated into a larger Plains powwow as one component.