Welcome to our annual SMSC Wacipi

SMSC Business Council

Charl ie V igTr ibal Cha irman

Ke ith B . AndersonV ice-Cha irman

Lor i K . WatsoSecretary/Treasurer

“our Wacipi is held

to honor our heritage

and to honor those who

have come before us”

Dear Community members, guests, friends, and relatives,

Owas cante wasteya nape ceyuzapi. We greet you all with a good heart and a handshake.

We welcome you all to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s annual Wacipi. Every year, we come together to celebrate life, share our culture with the surrounding community, and enjoy time with friends, new and old.

Whether you are a member of our own Community or traveled from places as far-flung as Canada, we are honored that you chose to spend the weekend at the SMSC Wacipi. Thank you to the hundreds of dancers and the invited drum groups who are performing throughout the weekend, and to our own staff and Community members who will continue to work hard to make this a safe and enjoyable weekend for all.

Congratulations to all of the high school and college graduates on their accomplishments, especially those from our own Community:

high school graduates Keely Totenhagen, Samson Drentlaw, Jamie Crooks, Connor Bryant, Brooklyn Vig, Allaija Jackson, Shyenne Bryant, and Alex Bigley, and college graduates Alison Welch and Carrissa Seaboy.

The SMSC Business Council has appointed Glynn Crooks the Wacipi Chairman once again. Glynn has served in this position for 25 years! Thank you Glynn for serving as Wacipi Chairman all these past years.

elcome to our annual SMSC Wacipi

SMSC Business Council

We also want to take the opportunity to thank our veterans and those on active duty, including SMSC member Warren Stade, who is currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. We are grateful for their sacrifices, as well as that of their loved ones.

We are saddened to announce the passing away of Community members Cecelia St. Pierre, who passed away August 26, 2014, and Tracy L. Lanham, who passed away September 19, 2014. We extend our condolences to their families.

We are also saddened to hear of the passing away of Dayton Seaboy last October 23, 2014. He was a member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate and a member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Vietnam Veterans Association Color Guard. The SMSC Community expresses our deepest sympathy to Dayton’s Family.

Throughout the Wacipi, there will be times to have fun and times to express reverence through various ceremonies and prayers. Explore our food and craft vendors, dance and sing together, and give thanks to the Creator for all that we have.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff and Community members who helped with this year’s annual Wacipi. Thank you Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel for providing Saturday’s meal.

Piundzpi (We all are thankful).

Message

The Wacipi Committee is very honored to have you here with us this weekend, to help us celebrate not only our annual Wacipi, but also our culture, our heritage and our tradition’s. It is my pleasure to once again serve as the Wacipi Chairman. I am proud to have served in this position going on 25 years. I would like to thank the SMSC Business Council for appointing me to this position once again.I would like to thank all those who helped with our annual Wacipi this year especially my Co-Wacipi Chairman Cyndy Stade and Carrissa Seaboy. We could not have done our annual Wacipi without the support of our entire Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Members. We thank you for your support.The Wacipi Committee is very happy to have with us this week end celebrating our annual Wacipi Miss Indian World Cheyenne Brady from New Town, North Dakota. Thank you Cheyenne for being here with us this week end. I would like to thank our Host Drums for being here: Wahpakute and Mazakute and our 10 invited drums. Our Master’s of Ceremonies: Wallace Coffey, currently the Chairman of the Comanche Nation all the way from Lawton, Oklahoma and Danny Seaboy a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, from Sisseton, South Dakota. Our Arena Director’s Juaquin Hamilton, and Rusty Gillette. Also a special thanks goes out to Matt Bursott for providing our security during our annual Wacipi. Also thanks to Mdewakanton Public Safety for providing Emergency Services. Thank you Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel for Saturday’s afternoon meal. I’m really looking forward to the Chicken Dinner.While you are here I hope you check out all the Arts and Crafts Vendor Stands and our Food Stands as you visit our Wacipi grounds. The Wacipi Committee also wishes to thank the Sisseton Wahpeton Viet-Nam Veteran’s Kit Fox Society from Sisseton, South Dakota for providing our military honors for our annual Wacipi. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our veteran’s for your service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Especially my Great Nephew Warren Stade a Member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community who is currently serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. I would like to suggest that while you are here this weekend you take the opportunity of visiting our Veteran’s Monument. Located right here on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, located near the Wacipi grounds and within the SMSC Community cemetery. I would like to congratulate all parents, grand parents and relatives of new babies born this past year. I would also like to congratulate our SMSC Community Member High School graduates and College graduates from the class of 2015, well done!The Wacipi committee is saddened to announce to you the passing away of two of our beloved Community members this past year: Cecelia M. St. Pierre who passed away on August 26, 2014 and Tracy L. Lanham who passed away on September 19, 2014. The Wacipi Committee extends our deepest sympathy to these families in mourning and to all those families who may have lost a loved one this past year. The Wacipi committee is extremely sad to announce the passing away of Dayton Seaboy, a member of the Sisseton Wahpton Oyate, from Sisseton, South Dakota and a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Viet-Nam Veteran’s Color Guard. Who passed away on October 23, 2014 and served in the United States Army. Dayton was a dear friend of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Dayton!On Saturday August 15, 2015 at 10PM don’t miss our Fireworks Display right here on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi grounds.Out of all the Wacipi celebrations that are going on this weekend, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for choosing our Annual Wacipi to attend this year.

Sincerely,

Wacipi Chairman (For the past 25 years!)

Glynn A. Crooks

Wacip i Cha irmanf r om

To : My fellow Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux

Community Members, relatives, guests and friends.

2014 WinnersJR GIRL’S TRADITIONAL 6-12 |FIRST| Victory Randell - Sacramento, CA |SECOND| Sparrow LittleSky - Kyle, SD |THIRD| Nichole Nordwall - Fallon, NV |FOURTH| Elizah Leonard - Baraboo, WI |FIFTH| Neena Lasley - Tama, IA TEEN GIRL’S TRADITIONAL 13-17 |FIRST| Wamblie Little Sky - Kyle, SD |SECOND| Aerius Benton - LCO, WI |THIRD| Jayla Iron - Ft. Collins, CO |FOURTH| Taylor Clairmont - St. Paul, MN |FIFTH| Astiw Roan - Pigeon Lake , AB JR GIRL’S JINGLE 6-12 |FIRST| Yanabah Whitehorse - Standing Buffalo, Sk |SECOND| Coral Benton - LCO, WI |THIRD| Haley Bearstail - Newtown, ND |FOURTH| Auralena Cardinal - Saddle Lake, AB |FIFTH| Neeta Kills Spotted - Box Elder, SD TEEN GIRL’S JINGLE 13-17 |FIRST| Kia McCloud - Harrah, WA |SECOND| Shaydee Pretends Eagle - Bismarck, ND |THIRD| Lilia Kingbird - Wahpeton, ND |FOURTH| Maya Schuyler - Mt. Pleasant, MI |FIFTH| Waskwane Stonefish - Peshawbestown, MI JR GIRL’S FANCY SHAWL 6-12 |FIRST| Micayla Silas - Oneida, WI |SECOND| Lara Pansy Lasley - Montour, IA |THIRD| Wah-pos Topsky - Rocky Boy, MT |FOURTH| Wakinyela Clairmont - Lakewood, CO |FIFTH| Maliah Jacobs - Oneida, WI TEEN GIRL’S FANCY SHAWL 13-17 |FIRST| Beedoskah Stonefish - Peshawbestown, MI |SECOND| Oke-tw’sha Roberts - Atwood, OK |THIRD| Morning Star Roberts - Ada, OK |FOURTH| Eahtosh Bird - Sioux Falls, SD |FIFTH| Jaydean Randall

JR BOY’S TRADITIONAL 6-12 |FIRST| Elijah Bear Leonard - Baraboo, WI |SECOND| Terry Brown Otter - Fort Yates, ND |THIRD| Lincoln Kingbird - Wahpeton, ND |FOURTH| Edward Benton - LCO, WI |FIFTH| Leodyn Kingbird - Ponemah, WI TEEN BOY’S TRADITIONAL 13-17 |FIRST| Talon White Eye - Sarnia, ON |SECOND| Lakota Little Sky - Kyle, SD |THIRD| Teddy Yuzicappi - Standing Buffalo, SK |FOURTH| Donovan Haury - Apache, OK |FIFTH| Triston Lasley - Tama, IA JR BOY’S GRASS 6-12 |FIRST| Chaske Jacobs - Oneida, WI |SECOND| Bodie Nordwall - Fallon, NV |THIRD| Peyton White Buffalo - New Town, ND |FOURTH| Mu-Jutheen Roberts - Atwood, OK |FIFTH| Colter Cook - Ft. Berthold, ND TEEN BOY’S GRASS 13-17 |FIRST| Therien Paskemin - Sweetgrass, SK |SECOND| Jai Knight - Thunder Valley, SD |THIRD| Jakobi Omeasoo - Maswacis, AB |FOURTH| Saunders Young Bird - Fort Yates, ND |FIFTH| CJ Lasley - Dearborn Heights, MI JR BOY’S FANCY 6-12 |FIRST| Wayne Silas, III - Oneida, WI |SECOND| Tyler Thurman - Shawnee, OK |THIRD| David Cleveland - Lyndon Station, WI |FOURTH| Buster Cleveland - Lyndon Station, WI |FIFTH| Jaymison Hill - Tama, IA TEEN BOY’S FANCY 13-17 |FIRST| Koy Bearstail - Sioux Falls, SD |SECOND| Sonny Means - Eagle Butte, SD |THIRD| Delano Cleveland - Lyndon Station, WI |FOURTH| Quentin Cleveland - Eau Claire, WI |FIFTH| Parker Bearstail - Bismarck, ND

JR WOMEN’S TRADITIONAL 18-34 |FIRST| Tara Whitehorse - Standing Buffalo, SK |SECOND| Tierra LaBelle - Morley, AB |THIRD| Randi Bird - Sioux Falls, SD |FOURTH| Krista Marie Goodwill - Ft. Quappelle, SK |FIFTH| Alva Fiddler - Oklahoma City, OK JR WOMEN’S SOUTHERN BUCKSKIN/CLOTH 18-34 |FIRST| Charish Toehay - Anadarko, OK |SECOND| Hauli Sioux Gray - Yukon, OK |THIRD| Janet Bull Coming - Watonga, OK |FOURTH| Cheryl Iron - Ft. Collins, CO |FIFTH| Marrissa Tsatoke - Poundmaker, SK JR WOMEN’S JINGLE 18-34 |FIRST| Leah Omeasoo - Maskwasis, AB |SECOND| Mallary Oakes - Saskatoon, SK |THIRD| Grace Pushetonequa - Tama, IA |FOURTH| Jovelle Pacheco - Sacramento, CA |FIFTH| Stephanie Nordwall - Fallon, NV JR WOMEN’S FANCY 18-34 |FIRST| Tanksi Clairmont - Lakewood, CO |SECOND| T’ata Roberts - Ada, OK |THIRD| Jocy Bird - Sioux Falls, SD |FOURTH| Laryn Oakes - Saskatoon, SK |FIFTH| Amber Cleveland - Wisconsin Dells, WI

JR MEN’S TRADITIONAL 18-34 |FIRST| Wendall Powless - Odamah, WI |SECOND| Eli Snow - Morley, AB |THIRD| Joe Syrette - Mt. Pleasant, MI |FOURTH| Zane Tacan - Sioux Valley, MB |FIFTH| Dana Warrington - Keshena, WI JR MEN’S SOUTHERN STRAIGHT 18-34 |FIRST| Denny Medicine Bird - Jones, OK |SECOND| Terrance Todome - Talequah, OK |THIRD| Mervel LaRose - Montana |FOURTH| Michael Folsom - St. Michaels, AZ |FIFTH| OJ Little Cook - Skiatook, OK JR MEN’S GRASS 18-34 |FIRST| Trae Little Sky - Sioux Falls, SD |SECOND| Wambli Charging Eagle - Green Bay, WI |THIRD| Buck Spottedtai - Sioux Falls, SD |FOURTH| Jason Cook - Iron Lightning, SD |FIFTH| Adam Nordwall - Fallon, NV JR MEN’S FANCY 18-34 |FIRST| Marquel Crawford - Cass Lake, MN |SECOND| Eric Bird - Cherokee, NC |THIRD| Darrell Hill - Milwaukee, WI |FOURTH| Kenny Pratt, Jr. - Sioux Valley, MB |FIFTH| Graham Primeaux - Shawnee, OK JR ADULT MEN’S CHICKEN 18-34 |FIRST| Rooster Topsky - Rocky Boy, MT |SECOND| Marty Thurman - Shawnee, OK |THIRD| Jamon Paskemin - West Valley, UT |FOURTH| Dustin Whitford - Rocky Boy, MT |FIFTH| Jordan Yazzie - Georgeville, WA

SR WOMEN’S TRADITIONAL 35-54 |FIRST| Tosha Spottedtail - Sioux Falls, SD |SECOND| Orrie Little Sky - Kyle, SD |THIRD| Andrea Redman - Ft. Quappelle, SK |FOURTH| Kellie Mae Downwind - Minneapolis, MN |FIFTH| Gena Topsky - Rocky Boy, MT SR WOMEN’S SOUTHERN BUCKSKIN/CLOTH 35-54 |FIRST| Danita Goodwill - Reserve, KS |SECOND| Toni Mule - Norman, OK |THIRD| Tonya Moore - Yukon, OK |FOURTH| Amy No Ear -

Tahlequah, OK |FIFTH| Brigette Morris - Walthill, NE SR WOMEN’S JINGLE 35-54 |FIRST| Anika Day Topsky - Rocky Boy, MT |SECOND| Thea McCloud - Harrah, WA |THIRD| Rowena Roberts - Atwood, OK |FOURTH| Rebecca Roberts - Ada, OK |FIFTH| Dionne Jacobs - Oneida, WI SR WOMEN’S FANCY 35-54 |FIRST| Nahmi Lasley - Tama, IA |SECOND| Kellie LeBeau - Eagle Butte, SD |THIRD| Crystal Cleveland - Eau Claire, WI |FOURTH| Delores Gabbard - Morrhead, MN |FIFTH| Kenisha Roan - Pigeon Lake, AB

SR MEN’S TRADITIONAL 35-54 |FIRST| Chaske Le Blanc - Morton, MN |SECOND| Russell McCloud - Harrah, WA |THIRD| Tony Wahweotten - Mayetta, KS |FOURTH| Vee Whitehorse - Ft. Quapelle, SK |FIFTH| Will Hedgepath - Windsor, ONT SR MEN’S SO STRAIGHT 35-54 |FIRST| Kelly Grant - Pinehill, NM |SECOND| Erwin Morris - Walthill, NE |THIRD| Terry Tsotigh - Edmond, OK |FOURTH| Sean Spicer - Miami, OK |FIFTH| Shude Victors - Window Rock, AZ SR MEN’S GRASS 35-54 |FIRST| Randy Paskemin - West Valley, UT |SECOND| Clifton Goodwill - Reserve, KS |THIRD| Gabe Desrosiers - Browns Valley, MN |FOURTH| Albert Zamora - Ledyard, CT |FIFTH| Shorty Bearstail - White Shield, ND SR MEN’S FANCY 35-54 |FIRST| Spike Draper - Kirkland, NM |SECOND| Michael Roberts - Ada, OK |THIRD| Wayne Silas, Jr. - Oneida, WI |FOURTH| Tyler Lasley - Tama, IA |FIFTH| Cecil Grey - Yukon, OK SR MEN’S CHICKEN DANCE 35-54 |FIRST| Rod Atcheynum - Bismarck, ND |SECOND| Michael Davis - Boston, MA |THIRD| Taite Honadick - Parker, AZ |FOURTH| Brady Tapedo - Lawrence, KS |FIFTH| Dale McKay - Sioux Valley, MB

WOMEN’S GOLDEN (55ANDOVER) FANCY/JINGLE |FIRST| Dianne Desrosiers - Browns Valley, MN |SECOND| Patricia Eagleman - Black River Falls, WI |THIRD| Brenda Davis - Manitoba |FOURTH| Annamae Pushetonequa - Montour, IA |FIFTH| Lillian Goodeagle - Flandreau, SD WOMEN’S GOLDEN (55ANDOVER) TRAD/SO. & BUCKSKIN/CLOTH |FIRST| Diane Goodwill-McKay - Ft. Quappelle, SK |SECOND| Carmen Clairmont - Lakewood, CO |THIRD| Madelynn Goodwill - Sioux Falls, SD |FOURTH| Vera Kingbird - Bemidji, MN |FIFTH| Chickie Whitewater

MEN’S GOLDEN (55ANDOVER) TRAD/SO. STRAIGHT |FIRST| Terry Fiddler - Swift Bird, SD |SECOND| Ronnie Goodeagle, Sr. - Flandreau, SD |THIRD| Mark Roanhorse - Phoenix, AZ |FOURTH| Gary Richards - Allen, SD |FIFTH| Clayton Sandy - Winnipeg, MB MEN’S GOLDEN (55ANDOVER) FANCY/GRASS |FIRST| Wayne Pushetonequa - Montour, IA |SECOND| Albert King, Sr. - Oneida, WI |THIRD| Gary Medicine - Manitou Rapids, ONT |FOURTH| Johnny Smith - Minneapolis, MN |FIFTH| Farley Eagle Speaker - London, ONT

Prizes and awards paid to a non-resident/non-citizen of the United States at the 2015 Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Wacipi are subject to a 30% tax withholding. Form 1042-s will be issued to anyone without a U.S. tax identification number. The individual can file tax form 1040R to claim a refund of part or all of their withholding when preparing their 2015 tax return, if applicable.

Wallace Coffey

Master of Ceremonies

Wallace Coffey has served as Masters of Ceremonies for Pow Wows and Indian cultural events for 48 years. A full-blood member of the Comanche Nation, Wallace was recently elected to his sixth term as tribal chairman. He is chairman of the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. He earned a master’s degree in education at Harvard University, with concentrations in child and human development. He has served as dean of students at the Nebraska Indian Community College in Macy, Nebraska, executive director of the Nebraska Indian Commission in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the Denver Indian Center, and cultural resource specialist for the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Danny Seaboy

Master of Ceremonies

Nicodemus “Danny” Seaboy, of Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and White Earth Chippewa, has been a Pow Wow emcee for most of his adult life. His knowledge of families led him to announce for specials and giveaways. He is a spiritual leader for his people, and a leader for the Long Hollow Sun Dance. He is the culture and language teacher at the Enemy Swim Day School in Waubay, South Dakota, where he also teaches song and dance to the kindergarten through eighth –grade students. He and his sons have a drum group, Wahpekute singers, one of the host drums for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi.

Juaquin Hamilton

Arena D irector

Juaquin Hamilton, an enrolled member of the Sac and Fox Nation, is the son of Don and June Hamilton of Pawnee, Oklahoma. He lives in Shawnee, Oklahoma with his wife, Dyanni, and their two children, Kealan and Abria Rose. He enjoys singing at the drum as well as dancing Southern Straight. He has served in many roles at Pow Wows throughout the United States and Canada. As a devout member of the Native American Church, Juaquin gives thanks to the creator for all the blessings he has received throughout his life, and thanks the Wacipi Committee for this opportunity.

Rusty Gillete

Arena D irector

Rusty, of Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, is Arikara and Hidatsa. His Indian name is “Hooves.” A graphic artist for the last 19 years, Rusty is the co-founder of Drumhop Productions, a major Pow Wow recording company. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communications at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, in 1996. He has been a dancer his entire life, and is a member of the Dead Grass Society in White Shield, North Dakota.

Matt Bursott

Wacip i Security

Matt Bursott, an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin, has worked for the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel Security Department for 17 years. This is his 15th year working at the SMSC Wacipi.

Cheyenne Brady

Miss Ind ian World

Cheyenne Brady was crowned the 2015-16 Miss Indian World, the first from Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, in April. Cheyenne grew up in Pawnee, Oklahoma. At age 14, she moved to the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. She is a member of the Native American Church. Cheyenne was valedictorian at New Town High School in 2010. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at North Dakota State University. She is pursuing her master’s degree there, with a focus on American Indian Public Health.

Wacipi Staff

Dance SpecialsHost Drums: Mazakute - Nebraska | Wahpekute -

South Dakota Invited Drums : Battling Horse -

Manitoba | Black Otter - Alberta | Crazy Sp ir it

- Mich igan | Iron Boy - Minnesota | Meskwaki

Nation - Iowa | The Boyz - Minnesota | Yellow

Face - North Dakota | Buc Wild - Arizona |

WhiteTail Boyz - Nebraska | Yung Bux - Oklahoma

Jr. Boy’s Grass Dance Special

(6-12 years)

In honor of

Sakpe Sioux Brave Ryder Miller and

Sakpe Sioux Junior Brave Albert Borger

Saturday | August 15

4:30pm (supper break)

There will be 4 places.

Tracy Lanham

Memorial

Dance Special

SundayAugust 16

4:00pmAfter Grand Entry

Sr. Women’s

Northern Traditional:

35-54 years

5 places

1st -$1000

2nd - $800

3rd - $600

4th - $400

5th - $200

Friday• Aug 14 Saturday

1 pm Giveaways* and Specials

7 pm Grand Entry • Flag Song

Evening Prayer

Introduction of Flags and Eagle Staffs • Introduction of Visiting RoyaltY

Tiny Tots, Junior, Teen, Junior and Senior Adults, and Golden Age Contests in all Categories

Schedule is subject to change. *Specific and special items may be given to individuals who have helped the family.

9 am Flag RaisingAll Veterans please standby to assist with flag raising.

Giveaways* and Specials

10 am

Moccasin Games Start

12:30 pm

Registration closes for all dance categoriesMemorial Honor Songfor the family of Ben Leedom

1 pm

Grand Entry • Flag Song

Prayer

Introduction of Flags and Eagle Staffs

Introduction of Visiting RoyaltY and Tiny Tots

Immediately following Grand Entry: Memorial Honor Song for Dayton Seaboy

Sunday• Aug 16• Aug 15

9 am Flag Raising • Giveaways* and Specials

10 am Church Service | Tiowakan Spiritual Center 14625 Prairie Grass Drive, Prior Lake

1 pm Grand Entry • Flag Song

Prayer

Introduction of Flags and Eagle Staffs • Introduction of Visiting RoyaltY

Tiny Tots

3 pm Junior and Teen Exhibition • Adult Contests for Junior and Senior Adults, Golden Age

Drum Contest

Tiebreakers

3 pm

Adult Exhibition for Junior and Senior Adults, Golden Age

Junior and Teen Contests

4:30-6:30 pm

Evening Meal

PLEASE ALLOW dancers, singers, and elders to be served first. MEALS ARE FREE to all with a Wacipi button, children under 10, and elders 60 and older. MENU: Baked Chicken • Wild Rice Hot Dish • Corn on the Cob • Fry Bread with Berry Pudding • Ice Cream Cups • Bottled Water. Catered by Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.

7 pm

Grand Entry • Flag Song

Evening Prayer

Introduction of Flags and Eagle Staffs

Introduction of Visiting RoyaltY

Junior and Teen Exhibition

Adult Contests for Junior and Senior Adults, Golden Age

10 pm Fireworks

About Our Wac i p i

What is a Wacipi

The Wacipi or Pow Wow is a celebration of life. It is a time when American Indian people gather to enjoy time with old friends and make new ones. The Wacipi, which means “they dance” in the Dakota language, has transcended generations. It was a gathering time held at the end of a season, to celebrate a good hunt, or to recognize a positive event. The Wacipi as it is known today evolved from early Wild West shows. There, Indian people would dance to entertain, but dance was originally more sacred. Dance was and is still part of ceremonial practices, where the people ask for help from the Creator. It’s also part of many tribal stories. For instance, a hunt was demonstrated through dance, as were stories of heroism in battle or other times of conflict.

What happens

at a Wacipi?

The SMSC Wacipi is a contest pow wow, where dancers compete in categories and age groups. Wacipi begins with a blessing of the dance circle. Grand Entry with Veterans Color Guard carrying in the flags and eagle staff, and entrance of visiting dignitaries, tribal royalty, and the dancers by dance category. After all the dancers have entered the circle, a prayer is said. A drum group then sings a Flag Song and a Veterans Song. As a sign of respect, attendees are asked to stand, if they’re able, and remove their hats. Then, the Master of Ceremonies, called “Wapaha” in Dakota, calls for intertribal dancing, allowing everyone to dance, no regalia necessary. Contest dancing and tiny tots dancing are next, with the Wapaha announcing each of the categories.

What are the

different styles

or categories of dance?

Men’s Traditional

Historically, warriors and hunters would dance out the story of their battles or hunting when they returned. That style has evolved into “Men’s Traditional.” Dancers may carry shields, weapons, staffs or sticks, and possibly wear a bustle. There are Northern and Southern styles, with a different competition for each.

Grass

This dance is very old, dating back to the days of the camp circle when Grass dancers were the first to dance after moving camp, preparing the earth in a good way for the people. The movements of the dancer represent the flow of prairie grass in the wind. Grass dancers wear long, flowing fringe

of yarn or ribbons to represent the grass, a yoke, breechcloth, a roach or wapeca [wah-pe-sha], fringed anklets, ankle bells, bead-work, and moccasins. They shake and sway like the grass in the wind, while their feet perform a variety of slides, hops, and other moves.

Men’s Fancy

This dance originated in Oklahoma at the beginning of the 20th century and sparked contest dancing. This dance consists of the standard double-step but takes off from there with fancy footwork, acrobatics, speed, and showmanship. The outfits are bright and colorful, with two bustles, a roach with feathers that are kept rocking, arm bustles, angora anklets, bells, and moccasins.

Chicken

This men’s dance is one of the oldest styles and originated among the Blackfeet. Dancers imitate the prairie chicken mating dance. Dancers wear skin-tight clothing, and smaller, old-fashioned bustles, often of pheasant feathers, as well as ankle bells and bell drops.

Fancy Shawl

The fancy shawl dance is a relatively new dance from when women switched over from blankets to shawls. This dance is very athletic with the dancers moving around the circle quickly to the beat of the music, spinning and using fancy footwork. The dancers wear colorful, calf-length dresses or skirts, bright shawls, and beadwork.

info

Women’s Traditional

Many Northern women dancers dance in place with the fringe of their dress and shawl swaying in and out to the beat. Southern women move gracefully around the circle with their fringe swaying forward and back. There are separate contests for Northern and Southern styles. Women in this category wear buckskin or cloth dresses and a breastplate, and carry a shawl, a fan often made of eagle feathers, and a bag. They usually wear a belt with attached knife sheaf, awl carrier, and a strike light bag.

Jingle Dress

The jingle dress originated with the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) as a ceremonial dance. Dresses have rows of tin jingles made of snuff can lids. Dancers also carry fans or bags and wear eagle plumes on their heads. In traditional jingle dress movements, the feet were barely raised above the ground, but modern jingle dance steps have become more intricate.

Golden Age

Dancers 60 and older can dance any style and compete in the Golden Age category.

What are Specials?

Honor Songs commemorate an individual who has passed away or an accomplishment such as graduating from high school, being selected royalty, or serving in the armed forces. Everyone is invited to come out and shake hands with the individual and family.

Tiny TotsAll children ages five and under in regalia are invited to dance, either by themselves or with a parent, older sibling, or relative. Each dancer is given a small gift after each Tiny Tot exhibition.

An Eagle

Feather/Fallen

Warrior Ceremony

is conducted when an eagle feather falls to the ground. Veterans retrieve the “Fallen Warrior.” Photography is not allowed during this ceremony.

Giveaway is a tradition to honor, recognize, or thank someone. Families collect items all year and then distribute them at a Wacipi/Pow Wow or other special occasion to elders, people they would like to recognize. The giveaway is followed by a Wopida song and people who received a gift (and are able), shake hands and dance with the family.

Naming ceremonies are held when a family would like to give a spiritual or “Indian” name to someone. A spiritual leader or elder performs the ceremony.

What is

Wacipi Royalty?Braves and Princesses are a contemporary part of a Wacipi. They represent their respective tribal nations, acting as ambassadors for the people. They are chosen through a contest, where they may display their knowledge of their language or history, and their dancing ability.

What are Moccasin Games?

The object of the game is to hide a single bead or small item underneath one of four moccasins that lay flat in a row. The two teams then work to find the object hidden by their opponents. The moccasin game has a long history, with the first game being played between a Dakota team and an Ojibwe team. In the old days, the game was played for valuable goods like horses, weapons, and clothing. Today, participating teams may win prize money. Visitors to the SMSC Wacipi are welcome to watch the moccasin game. Asking questions of the players is a good way to learn the rules, but please wait until they finish their games before asking questions. David Flute is the Moccasin Games organizer.

The Indian way is about respect for culture, family,

veterans, children, elders, and for the creator.

Wacipi Etiquette

Welcome to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s Annual Wacipi (wah-chee-pee). We invite you to learn about and experience our culture first-hand throughout the weekend. Because there are many sacred aspects to this event, please read and carry out the following guidelines. Knowing a little bit about various customs will help you feel more comfortable as you enjoy this weekend’s events.

Be respectful.

Please show respect during Grand Entry, Honor Songs, and prayers by standing and removing your cap or hat. If you are elderly or have a medical condition, it is fine for you to sit if you need to. The Wacipi is a sacred gathering. Please be respectful at all times. During prayers please refrain from talking.

Stand during:

Grand Entry, Honor Songs, and prayers. At the beginning of the Wacipi, everyone will be asked to stand (if they are able) as the Sisseton-Wahpeton Vietnam Veterans Color Guard of South Dakota present the flags and eagle feather staffs. Remain standing as the veterans, Braves, Princesses, and other dignitaries enter, followed by all of the dancers.

The Master of Ceremonies will indicate when it’s appropriate to stand throughout the Wacipi during various songs and prayers.

dancers’ regalia

Always ask before touching anyone’s regalia, as some regalia is sacred or has been ritually purified. Regalia often integrate designs, colors, and other ornamentation that represent the wearer’s tribe, family, or political or marital status.

Be aware of drum groups.

As drums hold special significance, please don’t touch them or the drumsticks, and avoid walking between the chairs and the drum.

the arena

The Arena contains a grassy area which has been blessed for the gathering and is considered sacred. Prayers have been said and tobacco has been offered to the Creator. This is not an area where children are invited to play. This is not an area for the public to cut across or use as a shortcut. In the very center of the Arena are flag poles and holders for Eagle Feather Staffs.

Photography

There may be times during the Wacipi when it may not be appropriate to take photographs. Please honor the “No photography rule” during prayers and ceremonies, or any time the announcer says so. You may take photos for your own personal use of dancers in the Arena. Outside of the Arena, please ask before you take photos. If you are taking photos for professional or commercial purposes, you must have permission, in advance, from the Wacipi Committee or the SMSC Business Council.

Drugs and alcohol

are not allowed.

You will be asked to leave if you have or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Hand shaking

is done more gently.

Handshaking is a way to acknowledge and show respect for someone you are meeting. In Native American culture, handshaking is typically done more gently.

We invite you to experience our culture

by immersing yourself in the Wacipi experience.

Wacipi Etiquette

with deepest SympathyCecelia St. Pierre

Tracy Lee Lanham

August 26, 2014

Community member Cecelia M. St. Pierre, age 77, of Prior Lake, journeyed to the Spirit World on August 26, 2014 at St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shakopee, Minn. Visitation was held Saturday, August 30, 2014, followed by funeral services, all held at St. Cornelia’s Episcopal Church in the Lower Sioux Indian Community in Morton, Minn. The interment was also held at St. Cornelia’s Episcopal Cemetery.

September 19, 2014

Community member Tracy Lee Lanham, age 45, walked on Sept. 19, 2014 at St. Gertrude’s Care Center in Shakopee, Minn. Born on April 8, 1969 in Minneapolis, Minn., Tracy was the daughter of Clarence and Barbara (Benson) Enyart. She is survived by daughter, Jessi Rose Wisnewski; sons, Brock (Amber) Lanham, and Brandon Lanham; three grandchildren, Bentley, Kyleigh, Kohlton, and one on the way at the time of her death; brother, Paul (Brenda) Enyart; aunt, Loretta (David) Zacharias; uncle, Dennis Blue; half-sister, Debra Ellis; Hunka brothers and sisters, and other relatives.

Tracy was preceded in death by her twin children, Amber and Keith ‘Goober’ Wisnewski; parents, Clarence and Barb (Benson) Enyart; and grandmother, Rosella Enyart.

A traditional all-night wake was held on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014. A private traditional ceremony was led by Dennis Blue on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. The funeral service was held Monday, Sept. 22, 2014 at the Tiowakan Spiritual Center, with the interment at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Cemetery.

grounds map

Mahkato 43rd Annual Traditional Wacipi

Honoring the 38 Dakota

September 18 - 20, 2015Dakota Wokiksuye Makoce (Land of Memories Park)

Mankato, Minnesota

grounds map

To Co.Rd. 42

To Mystic

LakeTo

Tiowakan

Dance Arena

Crafts

Food Court

Moccasin Games

SMSC Mobile Unit/First Aid

Registrationand Food

Meal

Red Shed

Talking Circle

Restrooms

Restrooms

Restrooms

Food Court

Restrooms

Restrooms

Restrooms Restrooms

Wind Turbine

MobileCommand RV

Mdewakanton

Public Safety

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community staffs its public safety department 24-7, with paramedics, EMTs, and firefighters, offering first aid and emergency management.

Security: 952-496-7222Emergency contact: 911

Other Need-to-Knows:

Elders and those who are disabled may sit in a special seating area at the announcer’s stand.

Elders and those who are disabled are a priority when it comes to golf car rides to and from the parking lot areas.

Mdewakanton Public Safety will be on-hand to direct guests in the case of an emergency, such as a tornado or strong winds.

In the case of inclement weather, the Wacipi may be relocated to Dakotah! Sport and Fitness at 2100 Trail of Dreams, Prior Lake.

All participants

and guests attending

the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Wacipi do so at their own risk. The SMSC is not responsible for any injury, damage or theft to a person or their property. The SMSC does not waive its or its employees’ sovereign immunity from suit by conducting any activity in coordination with its Wacipi. The SMSC retains the legal authority to expel any person from its land at any time and for any reason.

No dogs allowed on the Wacipi Grounds, except for service dogs.

Any audio, video

or photographic

commercial recording

at the SMSC Wacipi is strictly prohibited. You may record and produce only one copy of the Wacipi for private use. All media must have advance permission to cover the Wacipi. Please keep in mind, photographs are not appropriate during the Naming and Eagle Feather/Fallen Warrior ceremonies. Please respect the dancers if you wish to take their photograph outside the Dance Arena by asking their permission first.

The SMSC bans guns on these premises. Alcohol and drugs are also prohibited. SMSC

is not responsible for accidents, personal injury, theft or lost envelopes.

For the comfort

of all Wacipi guests

bleacher seating may not be saved! Blankets left unattended will be removed. No exceptions.

For the viewing enjoyment of everyone, umbrellas are not

allowed in the stands.

Please extinguish all

tobacco products before

entering the Arena by using the ashtrays provided.

Raffle tickets may

not be sold or purchased on the Wacipi Grounds or any other SMSC property.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has

zero tolerancefor gang activity.

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2330 Sioux Trail NWPrior Lake • Minnesota 55372

For more Wacipi information,visit smscwacipi.org.

Learn more about the SMSCat shakopeedakota.org.