Shakopee, Minn. – Visitors to Mall of America® will have the opportunity to watch Native American singers and dancers perform a free exhibition in the Rotunda at Mall of America on Thursday, August 15. This exhibition of dancers from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and other Indian tribes from throughout the United States is a preview of the annual SMSC Wacipi (pow wow), which runs August 16-18 at the SMSC Wacipi Grounds in Shakopee. Both the exhibition and Wacipi are open to the public.

The August 15 dance performances will be held at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. A master of ceremony will explain to the crowd what is happening, and Northern and Southern drum groups will sing traditional songs specific to each style of dance.

Each dance exhibition will begin with a grand entry, when the dancers enter the arena by dance category. Because of the high regard that American Indians have for their veterans, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Vietnam Veterans will be present, as well as other veterans who will carry flags and eagle feather staffs. Male and female dancers of all ages will perform many types of dancing in colorful regalia specific to their dance styles. The regalia will include spectacular feather bustles, bells, beadwork, buckskin, moccasins, shawls, and more.

In a special event at 3:30 p.m., a program to honor veterans will feature the story of veterans and the importance of their military service. All veterans in attendance will be invited to participate.

Visitors will also be able to visit a traditional Dakota tipi on display in the Sears Court of Mall of America during the exhibition.

August 16-18 Wacipi

Wacipi buttons, which allow for admission to all three days of the SMSC Wacipi, will be available for $5 at the Mystic Lake Store at Mall of America. Admission includes a free evening meal on Saturday, August 17, catered by Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and a Wacipi program. Admission is free to everyone ages 60 and older and children ages 10 and under. Parking is free.

For more information about the Mall of America exhibition or the SMSC’s Wacipi, please visit www.smscwacipi.org or www.facebook.com/shakopeepowwow.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and good employer, the SMSC is committed to community partnerships, charitable donations, a healthy environment, and a strong economy. The SMSC and the SMSC Gaming Enterprise (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino) are the largest employer in Scott County. Out of a Dakota tradition to help others, the SMSC has also donated nearly $272 million to organizations and causes since 1992, funds its own infrastructure, and contributes generously to regional governments and infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems, and emergency services.