Wacipi—or powwow—is a traditional Native American gathering. It is a time for renewing friendships and making new ones, dancing, singing, and celebrating. Join us for the annual SMSC Wacipi August 15-17, 2025.
After a hot, yet exciting weekend full of dancing, drumming, and singing, we are glad to announce the winners of each category for this year’s Wacipi!
If you are unable to attend in-person, view the event on one of our livestreams.
The SMSC Wacipi and Mdewakanton Public Safety are offering free child safety wristbands to visitors to safely reunite lost children with their loved ones.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
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.
Men`s Traditional Dance honors warriors and their battles. Dancers may carry shields or staffs and carry themselves with pride in styles unique to each region. 💛🪶
Ookiye Owas Iyekiyewicak̇iyapi
“Recognizing All the Staff Helping with the Wacipi”
Whitney Rencountre II - Master of Ceremonies
Whitney Rencountre II is Crow Creek Hunkpati Dakota and is the CEO of Crazy Horse Memorial. Whitney was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Black Hills State University. In 2017, Whitney was named one of 605 Magazine’s South Dakota Young Leaders. He was also a 2019 Honoree of the Western South Dakota Child Protection Council. Whitney is the former Chairman of the South Dakota Humanities Council and Visit Rapid City. For 11 years, he was the Director of the Ateyapi Program, a culturally based mentoring program.
Whitney has served as emcee for the SMSC Wacipi since 2021, along with many powwows and celebrations throughout Indian Country. Whitney grew up around the wacipi/powwow circle, as a singer, dancer, Eyapaha, gaining knowledge of protocol, songs and history. He is married to the love of his life, the renowned Indigenous children’s author, Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre, and is the father of four smart, talented, beautiful daughters.
#TBT to the 1994 SMSC Wacipi and these beautiful fancy shawl dancers!
It`s #TinyTotTuesday and there are only 9 more Tuesdays until the SMSC Wacipi!💓
All are welcome to attend the 2025 SMSC Wacipi August 15-17 in Shakopee, MN. Join us for the three-day celebration at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Learn more and book your stay at @Mysticlakecasino Hotel by following the link in bio.
Don`t forget to purchase your official 2025 SMSC Wacipi apparel during the presale event now through this Friday, May 23. View all items and shop with link in bio.
Thank you to all the family members who guide the little ones through their first wacipi. #TinyTotTuesday💕
Want to purchase your SMSC Wacipi apparel items in advance? Visit the link in bio to shop all 2025 merchandise and guarantee your favorite designs and desired sizes during this presale event from May 9-23.
