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.
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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.
Ookiye Owas Iyekiyewicak̇iyapi
“Recognizing All the Staff Helping with the Wacipi”
Reuben Crowfeather, Jr - Head Men’s Judge
“Hello everyone, my name is Reuben Crowfeather, Jr. It is an honor and privilege to serve as your Head Men’s Judge this year for the 2025 SMSC Wacipi alongside Head Women’s Judge Ms. Candace Gadwa. My grandparents on my Atés side are Deborah Peterson and Lawrence Crowfeather. My grandparents on Nimaamaas side are William and Hazel Hindsley. I am an enrolled member of the St. Croix Band of Ojibwe. I grew up on the Maple Plain reservation where I attended Cumberland High School in Cumberland, Wisconsin up until my senior year. I then transferred and graduated from Flandreau Indian School. Throughout my past and current travels, I continue to learn and study the ways of our people from not only our elder relatives but our younger relatives as well. I’ve worked with multiple programs as a cultural consultant to share what knowledge I have to inner city indigenous youth here in the Twin Cities. As for my everyday life, I am currently an apprentice for the Local 539 Pipefitters of Minneapolis where I aspire to become a journeyman in my field of work. My family and I would like to thank the SMSC Wacipi Committee for the opportunity to be a part of this year’s celebration. I wish safe travels for those who will be on the road these next few months, sing and dance your hearts out wherever creator takes you, we’ll see you in August!”
Ookiye Owas Iyekiyewicak̇iyapi
“Recognizing All the Staff Helping with the Wacipi”
Clifton Goodwill - Arena Director
"Greetings, family and friends! My name is Clifton Goodwill. I am from the Ojibwe, Cree, Lakota, and Dakota Nations. I am originally from the Pasqua & Standing Buffalo First Nations of Saskatchewan, Canada but currently reside in Reserve, Kansas. I would like to sincerely extend in appreciation my heartfelt gratitude to the 2025 SMSC Wacipi Committee for inviting me to serve as this year’s Arena Director. I wish everyone the best of luck in both song and dance, but most of all I wish everyone to have fun and enjoy one another! Thank you."
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.
