Public invited to SMSC Wacipi, Aug. 19-21

Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) invites the public to join in its annual SMSC Wacipi (pronounced “wah-chee-pee”), which runs Friday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Aug. 21. Held at the tribe’s Wacipi Grounds in Shakopee, the weekend-long event draws hundreds of dancers and thousands of visitors each year. Admission is free.

A wacipi, or powwow, is a traditional Native American gathering and celebration of life, pride, and honor. 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. 19

• Grand Entry at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 20

• Grand Entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 21

• Grand Entry at 1 p.m.

The SMSC will livestream this year’s Wacipi. Viewers can watch the event online at smscwacipi.org starting on Aug. 19.

The SMSC will also hold a free Wacipi exhibition at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Mall of America rotunda.

For more information, please visit smscwacipi.org. Photos are available at shakopeedakota.org/resources/smsc-media-library.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Dakota tribal government 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 other tribal governments 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 and attract millions of visitors to the region.