Powwows

Join the People's Dance

No other event captures the American Indian spirit like the powwow or "wacipi." Dancers in colorful dress move gracefully around the ring, a steady drum beat directing their movements. Tradition is passed from one generation to the next.

Today's powwows often feature competitions in categories such as traditional, fancy, grass, shawl, and jingle-dress dancing. Entrants wear different styles of clothing according to the dance. While a fancy dancer dons bustles and beads, a shawl dancer wears a long-fringed shawl over an elaborately beaded dress, moccassins, and leggings.

Powwows present a great opportunity for non-Indians to learn about the culture, and most are open to the public. They can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, and frequently include craft displays, rodeos, and cultural exhibits. You might also get a taste of ethnic food such as the popular Indian taco, Indian fry bread, or "wojapi," a fruit pudding.

Powwow Etiquette

As a powwow spectator, you'll want to be respectful of the unique customs you'll witness. Here are a few tips:

• It's generally acceptable to take pictures or video, but check beforehand.
• Ask permission before taking someone's photo outside of the dance circle.
• Stand at the "Grand Entry" to pay respect to the dancers. Remain standing for the Great Sioux Nation's national anthem.
• The dance area is sacred; don't enter it unless invited. (There are often "intertribal" dances in which the master of ceremonies invites spectators to join in the dancing.)
• Many powwows don't have seating. Bring along a lawn chair of blanket, and make yourself comfortable!

The summer powwow circuit draws dancers from across the state. A steady drumbeat directs the dancers' movements.

Powwow Schedule

Below is a list of major powwows that occur annually throughout the state. Please call ahead to verify time and location.

Annual Sisseton-Wahpeton Wacipi Agency Village, near Sisseton Fourth of July holiday (605) 698-3911

Bear Soldier Powwow McLaughlin Fourth of July holiday (701) 854-7202

Annual Black Hills Powwow and Indian Art Market Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City
Second weekend in July (605) 341-0925

Flandreau Santee Sioux Powwow Flandreau Third weekend in July (605) 997-3891

Fort Randall Powwow Lake Andes First full weekend in August (605) 384-3641

Oglala Nation Powwow and Rodeo Pine Ridge First full weekend in August (605) 867-5821

Lower Brule Powwow Lower Brule Second weekend in August (605) 473-5561

Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Annual Powwow Fort Thompson Third weekend of August (605) 245-2221

Annual Rosebud Fair & Rodeo Rosebud Fourth weekend in August (605) 856-2625

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Annual Fair, Rodeo, and Powwow Eagle Butte Labor Day weekend (605) 964-4000

Great Plains Powwow Sioux Falls Coliseum Second weekend in October (in conjunction with
Native American Day) (605) 339-7039

Powwows

Many Native American Powwows (wacipis) & celebrations are scheduled throughout the year. Some summer celebrations have not yet been scheduled by the Directory's publishing deadline. Tribal headquarters may be able to provide more information in the spring. All individuals are welcome at Native American Powwows or wacipis (wah-CHEE-pees). These celebrations are social events featuring traditional Indian dancing. Other events, such as ball games or rodeos, may be part of the festivities. Most powwows will have some special dances or ceremonies of religious & spiritual significance. Respect for the culture and general courtesy are appreciated. Tribal Government Headquarters

Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe PO Box 509 Old Agency, SD 57262 605 698.3911

Rosebud Sioux Tribe PO Box 430 Rosebud, SD 57570 605 747.2381

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe PO Box 590 Eagle Butte, SD 57625 605 964.4155

Crow Creek Sioux Tribe PO Box 50 Ft. Thompson, SD 57339 605 245.2221

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe PO Box 283 Flandreau, SD 57028 605 997.3891

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe PO Box D Ft. Yates, ND 58538 701 854.7231

Lower Brule Sioux Tribe PO Box 187 Lower Brule, SD 57548 605 473.5561

Oglala Sioux Tribe PO Box H Pine Ridge, SD 57770 ,,,,,,,,, 605 867.5821

Yankton Sioux Tribe PO Box 177 Marty, SD 57351 605 384.3641

Annual Powwows by Date

Click on a month to see what Powwow events are happening then. Most Powwows stay within a certain week or weekend each year. Dates are subject to change.

January ..... Febuary ...... March ......... April ......... May .......... June

July ...... August .......September ......October ......November .......December