POWWOWS
Join the Peoples Dance...

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe welcomes all visitors to come and visit the beautiful land of the Sicangu Lakota people.  We welcome you to spend time contemplating our pristine prairie landscapes and beautiful sunsets.  For it is in the land that you will grow to understand our ancient history and why we continue to exist as a people.  The land and our ancient beliefs are all behind why the Lakota culture remains strong and vibrant.  You are also invited to attend some of the many public activities on the reservation.  These events include the many wacipis, rodeos, ball tournaments, and public gatherings.  Most activities on the reservation during the summer months are open to the public.  Some of the traditional activities are held on the open prairies or behind homes and are not open to the public; also , certain wild growing plants and herbs may not be harvested indiscriminately.  Many of these indigenous plants are an important part of our culture and spiritual practices.  If you have any questions about any DO's or DON'Ts, or would like more information, please call 605-856-5644.  Most things involve understanding, respect, and just plain common sense.
How to enjoy a Wacipi (pronounced WA CHEE PEE)...

The wacipi (or pow wow) as we the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Nations call our celebrations, have evolved from the olden days to explosions of new art and designs constantly appearing and changing from year to year. 

The dance styles, dress and music you will see at our wacipi celebrations show the most beautiful and colorful finery, elaborate feather work, intricate beadwork that go with many different dance steps and dance styles beginning with our young children, teenagers, young men, young ladies, to the older men and older women. 

The wacipi as practiced in the Plains region is a social event which can last one to many days and is the time when Lakota, Dakota, or Nakota tribal people conduct Honorings, giveaways, family gatherings and when friends meet, camp, visit and reconnect as tribal nations.  During the summer months the wacipi celebration is usually held outdoors with a shade or cover area where the audience and dancers sit under while the center area space is reserved for the dancing. 

Dances are either for men or women, and competitions are divided into age categories.  The dancers dance in a clockwise direction when they are in the arena area and ultimately represents the circle of unity, the never-ending cycle of life.  Singers are usually under or adjacent to the shade or covered area between the audience and the dance area.  The wacipi singers are a very important part of wacipi.  Without the singers and the rhythm of the drum beat, there would be no dance.  They sing many types of songs; honor and family, war and conquest, songs of joy, encouragement, humor and mourning.
Wacipi Teachings (or protocol)...

1. Please stand when the Grand Entry processional is entering the dance arena.  This is when the wacipi begins, when the dancers enter the wacipi arena dressed in full regalia and dance their particular dance category.

2. Please continue to stand with respect when the Lakota, Dakota, or Nakota national anthem or flag song is being sung.  If you are wearing a hat then please remove it and you will also need to do this when an eagle feather is dropped and when a song is sung for the feather also.

3. Please do not try to talk to the dancers when they are dancing.  Wait until they are off to the side or on the outside of the shade area.  Ask for permission to take a photograph, some will and maybe some won't for various reasons.  But always check beforehand.

4. Never pick up a piece of a dancer's outfit.  Point the item to the dancer and they will pick it up.

5. If you have further questions regarding video taping or recording the singing, go to the announcers area and ask for a member of the wacipi committee who will give you the appropriate answers to your questions.

6. Some dance arena's do have permanent seating, but at times these seats will fill up.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on just in case.

7. Don't touch any of the costumes worn by the dancers.  Respectfully and politely ask for permission if you want to look closer at their costume.

8. The master of ceremonies welcomes Non-Indian visitors to join in and dance with the dancers during intertribal dancing.

9. Be open-minded and willing to learn, share, enjoy and dance with Lakota, Dakota and Nakota tribal people who continue to uphold and continue the wacipi ways.