History of the Wacipi/Pow-wow
The wacipi (or pow wow), as we the Lakota, Dakota,
and Nakota Nations call our celebrations, have evolved from the
reservation days to now which includes new art and designs constantly
appearing and changing from year to year.
The dance styles, dress and music you will see at our wacipi celebrations
show the most beautiful and colorful finery, elaborate feather
work, intricate beadwork that go with many different dance steps
and dance styles beginning with our young children, teenagers,
young men, young ladies, to the older men and women.
The wacipi as practiced in the Plains region is a social event
which can last one to many days and is the time when Lakota, Dakota,
or Nakota
tribal people conduct Honorings, giveaways, family gatherings and
when friends meet, camp, visit and reconnect as tribal nations.
During the summer months, the wacipi celebration is usually held
outdoors with a shade or cover area where the audience and dancers
sit under while the center area space is reserved for the dancing.
Dances are either for men or women, and competitions are divided
into
age categories. The dancers dance in a clockwise direction when
they are in the arena area and ultimately represents the circle
of unity, the never-ending cycle of life. Singers are usually under
or adjacent to the shade or covered area between the audience and
the dance area. The wacipi singers are a very important part of
wacipi. Without the singers and the rhythm of the drumbeat, there
would be no dance. They sing many types of songs: honor and family,
war and conquest, songs of joy, encouragement, humor and mourning.
Wacipi Teachings (or protocol)
1. Please stand when the Grand Entry processional is entering
the dance arena. This is when the wacipi begins, when the dancers
enter the wacipi arena dressed in full regalia and dance their
particular dance category.
2. Please continue to stand with respect when the Lakota, Dakota,
or Nakota national anthem or flag song is being sung. If you
are wearing a hat then please remove it and you will also need
to do this when an eagle feather is dropped and when a song is
sung for the feather also.
3. Please do not try to talk to the dancers when they are dancing.
Wait until they are off to the side or on the outside of the
shade area. Ask for permission to take a photograph, some will
and maybe some won't for various reasons. But always check beforehand.
4. Never pick
up a piece of a dancer's outfit. Point the item to the dancer and
they will pick it up.
5. If you have further questions regarding video taping or
recording the singing, go to the announcers area and ask for
a member of the wacipi committee who will give you the appropriate
answers to your questions.
6. Some dance arenas do have permanent seating, but at times
these seats will fill up. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to
sit on just in case.
7. Don't touch any of the costumes worn by the dancers. Respectfully
and politely ask for permission if you want to look closer
at their costume.
8. The master of ceremonies welcomes non-Indian visitors to
join in and dance with the dancers during intertribal dancing.
9. Be open-minded and willing to learn, share, enjoy and dance
with Lakota, Dakota and Nakota tribal people who continue to
uphold and continue the wacipi ways.
Taken from ATTA
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe district pow-wows:
| Memorial Day Pow-Wow | Kenel, SD | Traditional/Contest |
| 2nd Weekend in June | Cannon Ball | Contest |
| 3rd Weekend in June | Porcupine | Traditional |
| 1st Weekend in July | Bear Soldier | Contest |
| 4th Weekend in July | Little Eagle | Contest |
| 1st Weekend in August | Fort Yates | Contest |
| 2nd Weekend in August (VJ Day) | Rock Creek | Traditional |
| 3rd Weekend in August | Wakpala | Traditional |
Memorial Day Wacipi
May 25 -26-27, 2007
Contact: Kenel District Chairman, Anthony Vermillion
Kenel South Dakota
Phone #: 605-823-2024
Flag Day Celebration Wacipi
June 8-9-10, 2007
Contact: Cannon Ball District Chairman, Robert Fool Bear
PO Box 247
Cannonball, ND 58528
Phone #: 701-854-7170
Fax: 701-854-7174
Paha Yamini Wacipi
June 15-16-17, 2007
Contact: Porcupine District Chairman, Ben Harrison
P.O. Box 842
Shields, North Dakota 58569
Phone #: 701-422-2002
Fax: 701-422-2007
Bear Soldier Wacipi
July 6-7-8, 2007
Contact: Bear Soldier chairman Mary Brown
P.O. Box 15
McLaughlin, South Dakota 57642
Phone#: 605-823-4519
Fax: 605-823-4516
Running Antelope Wacipi
July 27-28-29, 2007
Contact: Running Antelope District Chairman, Ken Howard
P.O. Box 37
Little Eagle, South Dakota 57639
Phone #: 605-823-2211
Fax: 605-823-2007
Long Soldier Wacipi
August 3-4-5, 2007
Contact: Fort Yates District Chairman, Tim Mentz
P.O. Box 594
Fort Yates, North Dakota 58358
Phone #: 701-854-7102
Fax: 701-854-7595
Rock Creek Wacipi
August 10-11-12, 2007
51st Annual Victory over Japan Celebration
Contact: Rock Creek District Chairman, Paul Archambault
P.O. Box34
Bullhead, SD 57601
Phone#: 605-823-2026
Fax: 605-823-4558
Wakpala Wacipi
August 17-18-19, 2007
Contact: Wakpala District Chairman, Wayne Looking Back
PO Box A
Wakpala, SD 57658
Phone#: 605-845-2067
Fax: 605-845-5175
All dates are subject to change. Please contact Standing Rock Sioux Tribe for more information: (701) 854-8500 Ext:186
