Explore the sights and sounds of what the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is all about — family, culture, and tradition — at the 2017 Wacipi. From Aug. 18-20, the Community will honor its heritage and ancestors over three days of celebration this summer, welcoming dancers, spectators, and vendors from all over. Wacipi means “they all dance” in the Dakota language; it was originally a gathering time held at the end of a season to celebrate a good hunt or recognize a positive event. Today, the SMSC’s Wacipi is a contest Pow Wow, where dancers compete in categories and age groups, representing their tribe. It’s a celebratory time of dancing, singing, and visiting.
The public is welcome and invited to attend this annual event at 3212 Dakotah Parkway in Shakopee, near Mystic Lake Casino. Learn about the Native American heritage, sample Native foods, and browse through the handmade crafts. Visit smscwacipi.org for all the details on this year’s Wacipi.