Drum Groups, MC's Announced
Annual SMSC Wacipi: August 17, 18, and 19, 2007

July 23, 2007

Prior Lake, Minnesota - Details have been announced for the annual Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi (Pow Wow), Friday through Sunday, August 17, 18, and 19, 2007. 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); Black Bear Creek (Oklahoma); Sizzortail (Oklahoma); Whitefish Juniors (Saskatchewan); Bear Creek (Ontario); Blackfoot Confederacy (Montana); Northern Wind (Ontario); Pipestone (Wisconsin); Battle River (Minnesota); and Eastern Eagle (Nova Scotia).

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 and lunch on Sunday as well as a commemorative button and program. 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.

In 2006 the Annual Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi was held the fourth weekend in August. For 2007: it is reverting to the third weekend in August as in past years. In the Dakota Language the word Wacipi [wah-chee-pee] translates as "they dance" and refers to what is commonly called a Pow Wow. A Wacipi is a social gathering where Indian people come together to celebrate their way of life and culture, to dance, visit with friends and relatives, and meet new people from all over the country. Dancers of all ages in beautiful regalia will dance in the arena all three days of the Pow Wow.

On Thursday, August 16, 2007, the SMSC will hold a dance exhibition as a preview to the Pow Wow in the Rotunda at the Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota. Information about SMSC enterprises will be available throughout the day. The times for the dance exhibition will be at 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.

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