Prior Lake, Minnesota - Details have been announced for the annual Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi (Pow Wow), Friday through Sunday, August 15, 16, and 17, 2008. The word Wacipi [wah-chee-pee] in the Dakota Language translates as "they dance." The more common meaning is "Pow Wow." A Wacipi is a social gathering where friends and relatives gather to celebrate their way of life and culture and where dancers in their regalia dance and singers at the drum sing as their ancestors did before them. The general public is invited to attend this special event.

Chairman of the Pow Wow Committee is SMSC Vice-Chairman Glynn Crooks. The two Masters of Ceremonies are Wallace Coffey (Comanche Indian Nation) and Danny Seaboy (Sisseton Wahpeton/White Earth Ojibwe). Arena Directors are Michael Roberts (Choctaw and Chickasaw Tribe) and Gabe Desrosiers (Northwest Angle Ojibwe Reserve).

Host drums are Wahpekute (Sisseton, South Dakota) and Mazakute (Santee, Nebraska). Invited Drums are Southern Boyz (Oklahoma); Yellowhammer (Oklahoma); Sizzortail (Oklahoma); Cree Confederation (Alberta); Rocky Boy (Montana); Mandaree (North Dakota); The Boyz (Minnesota); Elks Soldier (South Dakota); and Eastern Eagle (Nova Scotia). Only invited drums are allowed at the SMSC Wacipi.

The Sisseton Wahpeton Vietnam Veterans Color Guard from Sisseton, South Dakota, will present the colors and conduct special military honors during the SMSC Wacipi.

In addition to the competition dancing, there will also be a Men’s Traditional Special Sponsored by Darryl & Donny McKay families. Moccasin games will also be played for prize money.

Hundreds of dancers are expected to attend the three-day event from all over the United States and Canada. Arts and crafts, paintings, jewelry, and other items will be available for sale as will a variety of Native American foods, both contemporary and traditional. Admission is $5 for the entire weekend and includes an evening meal on Saturday from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. and lunch on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. as well as a commemorative button and program. Adults aged 60 and older and children 10 and under receive free admission. Grand Entries will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Non-denominational Church Services will be held at Tiowakan Spiritual Center on Sunday, August 17, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Marlene White Rabbit Helgemo will officiate. Fireworks will be held at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday.

On Thursday, August 14, 2008, the SMSC will hold a Pow Wow Exhibition as a preview to the Pow Wow in the Rotunda at the Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota. Sessions will include a Grand Entry and demonstrations of individual dance styles. Sessions are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. Information about SMSC enterprises will also be available throughout the day. The Pow Wow Exhibition is free and open to the public.

For more information on either event call 952-445-8900 or go to www.shakopeedakota.org.

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