WACIPI

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Most reservations host an annual powwow, a social gathering and celebration of American Indian culture. The Dakota use the word wacipi (wa-chee-pee), literally "they dance," to refer to powwows.

The Dancers wear regalia that convey information about their region, tribe, family, or political or marital status. Some of the regalia is considered sacred and may include intricate beadwork that took years to complete and very old feathers or leather. For that reason one should never pick up a piece of regalia that has fallen without permission. To do so could mean contamination of an object that has been ritually purified.

The arena is blessed beforehand and is considered sacred ground. There are often a dozen drum groups that attend from different reservations and tribes. The drums are considered living beings, the heartbeat of the nation. They are blessed beforehand and it is inappropriate to bring alcohol, drugs, or other vices in the presence of a drum.

The wacipi itself is not a ceremony, though ceremonies such as giveaways, feasting, and naming often take place at a wacipi. The wacipi is a social gathering where people have the chance to watch and practice traditional dances and meet other people from all over Indian country. Some Indians travel from one powwow to the next throughout the summer, making social connections to other reservations across the United States.

Mahkato Wacipi

The annual wacipi in Mankato, Minnesota is significant because it commemorates the 38 Dakota who were executed following the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. The Mahkato Wacipi is part of an effort toward reconciliation brought about by Amos Owen, a Mdewakanton Dakota elder, and Bud Lawrence, a local non-Dakota businessman. The Mahkato Wacipi is a chance for Dakota and non-Dakota people of the area to meet and develop cross-cultural understanding.

Etiquette

For non-native people attending a powwow, it is good to observe certain rules of etiquette. Avoid touching the dancers' regalia or the drums. Do not walk across the arena or between the drums and the chairs around them. Do not sit between a drum group and the center of the arena or in an area that has been reserved for elders. Stand and remove your hat during the Grand Entry, Honor Songs, and prayers to show respect. When there is an intertribal dance anyone can join in, but be respectful. Don't try to show off or goof off. Photos may be allowed, but not during Honor Songs or prayers. Alcohol is banned from powwow grounds and may be banned from the entire reservation during powwow weekend.

Links

The content of this page was carefully researched, but the author is not an expert on Dakota culture.

If you are Dakota, your feedback is much appreciated.

Mahkato Mdewakanton Association

   2007   Mahkato Wacipi History. Electronic document, http://www.mahkatowacipi.org/History.htm, accessed November 29, 2008.

   2002   Mahkato Wacipi Visitor Guidelines. Electronic document, http://www.mahkatowacipi.org/VisitorGuide.htm, accessed November 29, 2008.

Prairie Island Indian Community

   2008   Powwows. Electronic document, http://www.prairieisland.org/pow_wow_calendar.htm, accessed November 29, 2008.

Written by: Melissa Lorentz, 2009.

Page design by Sumit Kapali