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TEST PAGE Shakopee Pow Wow – Wacipi Schedule

SMSC Wacipi

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2018 Wacipi MOA Exhibition- August 16

Mall of America Rotunda
7104 E Broadway
Bloomington, MN 55425
Get Directions >

2pm and 5pm: Exhibition Sessions
3:30pm: Men’s Fancy War Dance Northern vs. Southern

Experience a sneak peek of the SMSC’s 2018 Wacipi during the annual Wacipi Exhibition held at the Mall of America Rotunda. Native American dancers from the SMSC and throughout Indian Country will display traditional dancing and regalia in a whirl of colors, sights, and sounds, complete with a Master of Ceremonies and two invited drum groups.

Invited Native American dancers of all ages in full regalia will enter the arena to perform with live Wacipi music in two separate exhibition performances at 2pm and 5pm. Don’t miss the war dance between the north and south Men’s Fancy dancers at 3:30pm during intermission. Men’s Fancy participants will compete using fancy footwork, acrobatics, speed, and showmanship.

Mall visitors and spectators will experience a Wacipi Grand Entry, learn about the various competition dance styles, and have the opportunity to join the dancers and participate in the Intertribals and Round Dance.


2018 Wacipi- August 17, 18, and 19

SMSC Wacipi Grounds
3212 Dakotah Parkway
Shakopee, MN 55379
Get Directions >

952.445.8900

Gather for a weekend of tradition, dancing, and unity—among old friends and new—at the annual Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Wacipi weekend, August 17-19, 2018, in Shakopee, Minnesota. Wacipi, or Pow Wow, is a great place to experience Native American culture through traditional music, dancing, authentic foods, and beautiful crafts.

Native American dancers from across the country will provide a sneak peek into Wacipi weekend during the SMSC’s annual Wacipi Exhibition on August 16. The dancing will continue into the weekend at the SMSC Wacipi Grounds in Shakopee. There are multiple Grand Entries throughout the weekend, which includes a Veterans Color Guard carrying in the flags and eagle staff, followed by the entrance of visiting dignitaries, tribal royalty, and dancers. Drum groups will sing honor songs for the flag and for the veterans. Then the Master of Ceremonies, called Wapaha in Dakota, announces various dance categories and age groups, where Native Americans dressed in colorful regalia will compete against each other in the arena to honor their heritage all weekend long.

All are welcome to attend the 2018 SMSC Wacipi. Save the date—you won’t want to miss the incredible array of beautiful songs, colors, dancing, and people!

Admission: $10.00 for entire weekend.
Adults 60+: Free
Children 10 & under: Free

Grand Entry: Friday at 7PM, Saturday at 1PM & 7PM, Sunday at 1PM
Meal: Saturday 4:30-6:30PM
Fireworks: Saturday at 10PM

Dance Registration: Starts Friday at 12:30PM; closes Saturday at 12:30PM
Must have button to register. Point system to begin at Friday Grand Entry.


Featured Staff & Guests

Master Of Ceremonies: Juaquin Hamilton, Ruben Little Head

Honorary Master Of Ceremonies: Wallace Coffey

Arena Director: Chaske Lablanc, Clifton Goodwill

Head Women’s Judge: Alva Fiddler

Head Men’s Judge: Canku One Star

Head Singing Judge: Wayne Silas, Jr.

Sound: Dale Roberts, Hokah Sound

Color Guard: Sisseton-Wahpeton Kit Fox Society, Lakota Women Warriors

Drum Groups

Host: Northern Cree–Ab, Young Bear–Nd

Invited: Black Bear, Black Otter, Blackstone, Bull Horn, Midnite Express, The Boyz, Iron Boy, Cozad, Southern Style, Yellow Hammer

SMSC Royalty

Junior Brave: Trystan Brandt-Dedeker
Brave: Tony Brewer
Princess: Summer Lemke
Junior Princess: Celianna Thomas


Categories & Prize Payouts

Jr. Categories, 6–12:
1st: $300, 2nd: $200, 3rd: $150, 4th: $100, 5th: $50 
Traditional, Grass/Jingle, Fancy

Teen Categories, 13–17:
1st: $500, 2nd: $300, 3rd: $200, 4th: $150, 5th: $100 
Traditional, Grass/Jingle, Fancy

Adult Categories:
Jr., 18–34: 1st: $1,600, 2nd: $1,400, 3rd: $1,200, 4th: $1,000, 5th: $600
Sr., 35–54: 1st: $1,600, 2nd: $1,400, 3rd: $1,200,4th: $1,000, 5th: $600
Men: Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Southern Straight, Chicken Dance
Women: Traditional, Fancy, Jingle, Southern Buckskin/Cloth (Combined)

Golden Age, 55–64:
1st: $1,600, 2nd: $1,400, 3rd: $1,200, 4th: $1,000, 5th: $600

Men: Traditional/Southern Straight (Combined), Fancy/Grass (Combined)
Women: Traditional, Southern Buckskin/Cloth (Combined), Fancy/Jingle (Combined)

Elders, 65+:
1st: $1,600, 2nd: $1,400, 3rd: $1,200, 4th: $1,000, 5th: $600
Men: All Categories
Women: All Categories



No alcohol or drugs. Not responsible for accidents, thefts, or lost envelopes.

Find Out More

Sights & Sounds of Wacipi

Explore past Pow Wow pictures and videos in our media library or join the conversation on social media.

What is Wacipi?

Wacipi means "They Dance" in the Dakota language. Find out more about our traditions and ceremonies by visiting the SMSC Wacipi page.

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