Annual event unites people and traditions of Indian Country

Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) invites the public to join in their annual SMSC Wacipi, which runs Friday, Aug. 18, through Sunday, Aug. 20. This Pow Wow celebration draws nearly 1,000 dancers and thousands of visitors each year to the SMSC Wacipi Grounds, located at 3212 Dakotah Parkway in Shakopee, near Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.

Wacipi (a Dakota word that means “they all dance,” pronounced “wah-chee-pee”) originated from traditional gatherings of tribes held to celebrate the end of a season, a good hunt, or a positive event. The SMSC Wacipi features a variety of competitive Pow Wow dance categories, such as Fancy, Jingle, Traditional, and Grass. The event also includes vendors of Native American crafts and foods, such as wild rice and fry bread.

This year’s Wacipi will attract Native dancers and drum groups of all ages from tribes across North America. The Sisseton-Wahpeton Vietnam Veterans Kit Fox Society of South Dakota will provide the Color Guard during the Grand Entry.

The Wacipi weekend’s schedule of events includes:

Friday, Aug. 18

  • Pow Wow Grand Entry at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 19

  • Grand Entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Evening meal (included with admission) from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 20

  • Grand Entry at 1 p.m.

Wacipi buttons will be available for $10 at the gate, which covers admission for the entire weekend and an evening meal on Saturday. Buttons can also be purchased in advance at Little Six Casino, Mazopiya, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, the Mystic Lake Store at Mall of America, and Shakopee Dakota Convenience Stores. Admission and the Saturday meal will be free for everyone ages 60 and older or 10 and younger (no button required). On-site parking will be free, and golf cart shuttles will be available to help attendees who need transportation to the gate. For more information, visit smscwacipi.org or 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. 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.