Subscribe to receive SMSC Wacipi updates and emails.

Wacipi—or powwow—is a traditional Native American gathering, a celebration of life, pride, and honor. Meaning “they dance” in the Dakota language, today’s wacipi brings together people from all over the country for three days of celebrating in a good way. It is a time for preserving a rich heritage, while reconnecting with old friends and making new friends.

Grand Entry sets the stage for each day’s contests and activities, which includes a ceremonious entrance into the dance arena, led by a Native American veteran color guard, visiting dignitaries, and tribal royalty, followed by hundreds of dancers of all ages. Representing dozens of tribes from across the United States and Canada, dancers dressed in traditional regalia compete for top honors in various dance style categories and age groups, while drum groups and singers surround the perimeter of the arena. Native American artists and crafters display traditional beadwork, jewelry, and handmade goods, while food vendors offer a variety of tasty, authentic meals and treats.

The SMSC’s Wacipi attracts thousands of visitors each year to honor the history of a strong group of people. We invite you to be a part of this celebration with us here at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) for our annual wacipi in Shakopee, Minnesota, over the weekend of August 19-21, 2022.

PUBLIC WELCOME

Free Admission Entire Weekend

Grand Entry
Friday: 7pm
Saturday: 1pm & 7pm
Sunday: 1pm

Dancer Registration
Friday: 3pm
Point system will begin Friday at Grand Entry. Registration closes Saturday at 12:30pm.

Dakotah Meadows RV Park:
1.800.653.CAMP (2267)

Featured Staff & Guests

HEAD STAFF

Master of Ceremonies: Redwing Thomas, Vince Beyl, and Whitney Rencountre

Arena Directors: Calvin Campbell and Yahsti Perkinskiller

Head Women’s Judge: Tonya Moore

Head Men’s Judge: Tommy Draper

Head Singing Judge: Jackson Tahuka

Sound: Hokah Sound

Color Guard: Sisseton-Wahpeton Kit Fox Society, Lakota Women Warriors

SMSC Wacipi Grounds are Located At:
3212 Dakotah Parkway
Shakopee, MN 55379

Dance Contests

Jr. Categories, 6-12:
Traditional, Grass/Jingle, Fancy
1st: $300, 2nd: $250, 3rd: $200, 4th: $150, 5th: $100, 6th: $50

Teen Categories, 13-17:
Traditional, Grass/Jingle, Fancy
1st: $500, 2nd: $400, 3rd: $300, 4th: $200, 5th: $150, 6th: $100

Adult Categories:
Men: Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Southern Straight, Chicken Dance
Women: Traditional, Fancy, Jingle, Southern Buckskin/Cloth (Combined)
Jr., 18-34: 1st: $1,600, 2nd: $1,400, 3rd: $1,200, 4th: $1,000, 5th: $800, 6th: $600
Sr., 35-54: 1st: $1,600, 2nd: $1,400, 3rd: $1,200, 4th: $1,000, 5th: $800, 6th: $600

Golden Age, 55-64:
Men: Traditional/Southern Straight (Combined), Fancy/Grass (Combined)
Women: Traditional & Southern Buckskin/Cloth (Combined), Fancy/Jingle (Combined)
1st: $1,600, 2nd: $1,400, 3rd: $1,200, 4th: $1,000, 5th: $800, 6th: $600

Elders, 65+:
Men: All Categories
Women: All Categories
1st: $1,600, 2nd: $1,400, 3rd: $1,200, 4th: $1,000, 5th: $800, 6th: $600

Drum Contests

Invited Drums Only
Host: Mandaree, Wakinyan Luta
Invited: Bad Nation, Mato Pejuta, Charging Horse, Fort Peck Sioux, Pipestone, War Scout, Young Bear, Thunder Hill, Wild Band of Comanches, White Tail Boyz

1st: $7,000, 2nd: $6,000, 3rd: $5,000, 4th: $4,000, 5th: $3,000, 6th: $2,000, Consolation (4 Places): $1,000

Moccasin Games Tournament