Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

Public Invited to SMSC Wacipi, August 17-19

Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) invites the public to join in their annual SMSC Wacipi (pronounced “wah-chee-pee”), which runs Friday, August 17, through Sunday, August 19. Held at the SMSC’s Wacipi Grounds (3212 Dakotah Parkway, Shakopee), the weekend-long event draws nearly 1,000 dancers and thousands of visitors each year.

Wacipi, or Pow Wow, is a celebration of life. Meaning “they all dance” in the Dakota language, 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, today’s Wacipi has evolved into a contest Pow Wow, 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 Wacipi weekend includes:

Friday, August 17

• Grand Entry at 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 18

• Grand Entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• Evening meal (free with admission) from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

• Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Sunday, August 19

• Grand Entry at 1 p.m.

Admission buttons are $10, which covers admission for the entire weekend and an evening meal on Saturday (as supplies last). Buttons are available for purchase online at smscwacipi.org or at any of the following locations: Little Six Casino, Mazopiya, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, the Mystic Lake Store at Mall of America, and Shakopee Dakota Convenience Store. Children who are 10 years old or younger and adults over the age of 60 receive free admission. Free on-site parking will be available, with golf cart shuttles offering transportation to the gate.

For the first time ever, the SMSC will livestream this year’s Wacipi. Viewers can watch the event online at smscwacipi.org starting on August 17.

The SMSC will also hold a free Wacipi exhibition on Thursday, August 16, at the Mall of America Rotunda. Exhibition times are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., with a special Men’s Fancy War Dance scheduled for 3:30pm.

For more information, please visit smscwacipi.org or facebook.com/shakopeepowwow.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Native American tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to Native American tribes and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise, and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County.

 

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