Beating drums. Soulful singing. Dances that mesmerize and intrigue. These beautiful elements of a powwow combine to create a sense of celebration and community that must be seen in person to be truly experienced.
What is a Powwow?
A powwow or wacipi (Dakota, Lakota and Nakota for "dance" and pronounced wa-CHEE-pee) is a traditional Indigenous cultural celebration and social event that can last from one to several days. Historically, powwows are believed to have originated from the War Dance Societies of the Ponca and other Southern Plains Tribes. Today, powwows serve as a way for Native people representing all tribal backgrounds to share experiences and connect.
As practiced in the Plains region, the powwow is a time when Dakota, Lakota or Nakota tribal people and families conduct honoring and giveaways. Friends meet, camp, visit and reconnect. During the summer, the celebrations are usually held outdoors in the shade or in a covered area where the audience and dancers sit. The center area or arena is reserved for the dancing.
What Does a Powwow Consist of?
Colorful finery, elaborate featherwork and intricate beadwork help create the beautiful visual atmosphere of a powwow. Spirited drumming and singing fill the air as dancers execute their footwork. Attire worn by a dancer is called "regalia" and should not be referred to as a costume. The development of a dancer's regalia often takes years and may include gifts with deep meanings.
Modern Indigenous powwows begin with the Grand Entry, the entrance of all the participants in the arena. The flags generally include the U.S. flag, tribal flags, the POW flag and the Eagle Staff of various Native nations. Indigenous peoples hold the United States flag in an honored position despite its complex history, as it represents a connection to their ancestors and their role in the present-day country. Powwows can include many important guests, including tribal chiefs, princesses, elders and powwow organizers. Next in line are the male dancers, followed by the female dancers. Once everyone is in the arena, the performances begin.
What Kind of Song & Dance is Performed?
Many of today's powwows feature competitions in categories such as traditional, fancy and jingle-dress dancing. Dances are for men and women respectively, and competitions are divided into age categories. The dancers move clockwise, representing the circle of unity and the never-ending cycle of life. Singers are usually under or adjacent to the shade or covered area between the audience and the dance arena. Powwow singers and drummers play a very important part in the celebration by providing rhythm for the dancers. They sing many types of songs, including those about honor and family, war and conquest, joy, encouragement, humor and mourning.
Powwow singers are a very important part of Indigenous culture. The songs sung in powwows are of many varieties, from religious to war to social. As various tribes gathered, they would share their songs, often changing the songs so singers of different tribes could join. With these changes came the use of "vocables" to replace the words of the old songs. Thus, some songs today are sung in vocables with no words, yet they still hold special meaning to those who know the song. Many songs are still sung in Native languages, either newly composed or revivals of old songs. These songs remind the Native people of their traditions and rich heritage.
Can I Participate?
Certain dances allow spectators to join. However, it's best to remain in the viewing areas unless specifically invited. When attending, please remember to be respectful and follow proper visitor etiquette.
Is Food Available?
Vendors at powwows allow visitors to sample foods like Indian tacos, fry bread and a delicious fruit sauce/jam called wojapi (pronounced wo-zha-pee).
What Powwows are Held in South Dakota?
There are numerous powwows across South Dakota throughout the year. These events often occur annually at the same time. However, it's always best to call ahead to verify dates and times. Here is a partial list of powwows you can attend to experience the vibrant culture and traditions:
- Annual University of South Dakota (USD) Wacipi
- When: Early April
- Where: Vermillion
- Contact: 605-677-6389
- Annual Lakota Omniciye Wacipi
- When: Mid-April
- Where: Black Hills State University, Spearfish
- Contact: 605-642-6578
- White River Wacipi
- When: Late June
- Where: Crawford, NE
- Contact: 308-430-1299
- Sisseton Wahpeton Wacipi
- When: Early July
- Where: Sisseton
- Contact: 605-698-3911
- Flandreau Santee Annual Traditional Powwow
- When: Third weekend in July
- Where: Flandreau
- Contact: 605-997-3891 or 605-997-3512
- Fort Randall Powwow
- When: First weekend in August
- Where: Lake Andes
- Contact: 605-491-0489 or 800-365-6333
- Oglala Nation Powwow and Rodeo
- When: First weekend in August
- Where: Pine Ridge
- Contact: 605-867-5821
- Kul-Wicasa Oyate Fair, Rodeo and Powwow
- When: Second weekend in August
- Where: Lower Brule Fair Grounds
- Contact: 605-473-5561
- Crow Creek Dakota Nation Wacipi
- When: Third weekend in August
- Where: Fort Thompson
- Contact: 605-245-2221
- Rosebud Fair, Rodeo and Powwow
- When: Fourth Friday in August
- Where: Mission
- Contact: 605-747-2381
- Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Fair, Rodeo & Powwow
- When: Late August–Early September
- Where: Eagle Butte
- Contact: 605-964-4155
- Gathering of the Wakanyeja
- When: Mid-September
- Where: St. Joseph Indian School, Chamberlain
- Contact: 605-734-3475 or 605-734-3300
- Black Hills Powwow: He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate
- When: Early October
- Where: Rapid City
- Contact: 605-341-0925
These powwows offer a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota people. Be sure to plan your visit and experience the spirit of the wacipi celebrations across South Dakota!
