What is a Wacipi?
The Wacipi or Pow Wow is a celebration of life. It is a time when American Indian people gather to enjoy time with old friends and make new ones. The Wacipi, which means “they dance” in the Dakota language, has transcended generations. It was a gathering time held at the end of a season, to celebrate a good hunt, or to recognize a positive event. The Wacipi as it is known today evolved from early Wild West shows. There, Indian people would dance to entertain, but dance was originally more sacred. Dance was and is still part of ceremonial practices, where the people ask for help from the Creator.
What is Wacipi Royalty?
Braves and Princesses are a contemporary part of a Wacipi. They represent their respective tribal nations, acting as ambassadors for the people. They are chosen through a contest, where they may display their knowledge of their language or history, and their dancing ability.
What happens at a Wacipi?
The SMSC Wacipi is a contest pow wow, where dancers compete in categories and age groups. Wacipi begins with a blessing of the dance circle. Grand Entry with Veterans Color Guard carrying in the flags and eagle staff, and entrance of visiting dignitaries, tribal royalty, and the dancers by dance category. After all the dancers have entered the circle, a prayer is said. A drum group then sings a Flag Song and a Veterans Song. As a sign of respect, attendees are asked to stand, if they’re able, and remove their hats. Then, the Master of Ceremonies, called “Wapaha” in Dakota, calls for intertribal dancing, allowing everyone to dance, no regalia necessary. Contest dancing and tiny tots dancing are next, with the Wapaha announcing each of the categories.
SMSC Wacipi Grounds are located at
3212 Dakotah Parkway, Shakopee, MN 55379
952.445.8900 smscwacipi.org
WHAT IS WACIPI? SPONSORED BY THE SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX
What are the different styles or categories of dance? Women’s Traditional
Men’s traditional Historically, warriors and hunters would dance out the story of their battles or hunting when they returned. That style has evolved into “Men’s Traditional.” Dancers may carry shields, weapons, staffs or sticks, and possibly wear a bustle. There are Northern and Southern styles, with a different competition for each.
Grass
This dance is very old, dating back to the days of the camp circle when Grass dancers were the first to dance after moving camp, preparing the earth in a good way for the people. The movements of the dancer represent the flow of prairie grass in the wind. Grass dancers wear long, flowing fringe of yarn or ribbons to represent the grass, a yoke, breechcloth, a roach or wapeca [wah-pe-sha], fringed anklets, ankle bells, bead-work, and moccasins. They shake and sway like the grass in the wind, while their feet perform a variety of slides, hops, and other moves.
What are Specials? Honor Songs
Many Northern women dancers dance in place with the fringe of their dress and shawl swaying in and out to the beat. Southern women move gracefully around the circle with their fringe swaying forward and back. There are separate contests for Northern and Southern styles. Women in this category wear buckskin or cloth dresses and a breastplate, and carry a shawl, a fan often made of eagle feathers, and a bag. They usually wear a belt with attached knife sheaf, awl carrier, and a strike light bag.
Honor Songs commemorate an individual who has passed away or an accomplishment such as graduating from high school, being selected royalty, or serving in the armed forces. Everyone is invited to come out and shake hands with the individual and family.
Jingle Dress
Are conducted when an eagle feather falls to the ground. Veterans retrieve the “Fallen Warrior.” Photography is not allowed during this ceremony.
The jingle dress originated with the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) as a ceremonial dance. Dresses have rows of tin jingles made of snuff can lids. Dancers also carry fans or bags and wear eagle plumes on their heads. In traditional jingle dress movements, the feet were barely raised above the ground, but modern jingle dance steps have become more intricate.
An Eagle Feather/Fallen Warrior Ceremony
Naming Ceremonies Are held when a family would like to give a spiritual or “Indian” name to someone. A spiritual leader or elder performs the ceremony.
Men’s Fancy
This dance originated in Oklahoma at the beginning of the 20th century and sparked contest dancing. This dance consists of the standard double-step but takes off from there with fancy footwork, acrobatics, speed, and showmanship. The outfits are bright and colorful, with two bustles, a roach with feathers that are kept rocking, arm bustles, angora anklets, bells, and moccasins.
Chicken
This men’s dance is one of the oldest styles and originated among the Blackfeet. Dancers imitate the prairie chicken mating dance. Dancers wear skin-tight clothing, and smaller, old-fashioned bustles, often of pheasant feathers, as well as ankle bells and bell drops.
Fancy Shawl The fancy shawl dance is a relatively new dance from when women switched over from blankets to shawls. This dance is very athletic with the dancers moving around the circle quickly to the beat of the music, spinning and using fancy footwork. The dancers wear colorful, calflength dresses or skirts, bright shawls, and beadwork.
Golden Age (Men & Women)
Dancers 60 and older can dance any style and compete in the Golden Age category.
Tiny Tots All children ages five and under in regalia are invited to dance, either by themselves or with a parent, older sibling, or relative. Each dancer is given a small gift after each Tiny Tot exhibition.