PRIOR LAKE, MN – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) will hold its annual SMSC powwow (Wacipi) , Friday, Aug. 16, through Sunday, Aug. 18. Held at the tribe’s Wacipi Grounds in Shakopee, the free weekend-long event draws hundreds of dancers and thousands of visitors each year.
A Wacipi, or powwow, is a traditional Native American celebration of life. Meaning “they all dance” in the Dakota language, the Wacipi was historically used by Native peoples to gather at the end of a season, celebrate a good hunt or recognize a positive event. While the dances still hold sacred ceremonial meaning for those who participate, the SMSC Wacipi has evolved into a contest powwow, where dancers and drum groups compete for top honors in a variety of style categories. The event also includes vendors of Native American crafts and foods.
The schedule for the weekend includes:
- Friday, Aug. 16 – Grand Entry at 7:00pm
- Saturday, Aug. 17 – Grand Entries at 1:00pm and 7:00pm; fireworks at 10:00pm
- Sunday, Aug. 18 – Grand Entry at 1:00pm
The SMSC will also hold a free Wacipi exhibition at 1:00pm and 5:00pm on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Mall of America rotunda.
