The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) kicks off its annual powwow, or wacipi, next week and the public is welcome to the free event.

The SMSC Wacipi takes place August 16-18 at the tribe’s powwow grounds in Shakopee, Minnesota. Hundreds of dancers and thousands of visitors are expected over the weekend, with grand entry at 7pm on Friday night, at 1pm and 7pm on Saturday and at 1pm on Sunday.

Additionally, visitors can get a preview of the wacipi at the Mall of America in Bloomington at 1pm and 5pm on Thursday, August 15. The tribe will turn the rotunda at the largest mall in the United States into a four-story powwow arena.

For more information, visit smscwacipi.org and check social media at facebook.com/shakopeepowwow and instagram.com/shakopeepowwow. A news release can be found at the bottom of this post.

Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) invites the public to its annual SMSC Wacipi (pronounced “wah-chee-pee”), Friday, Aug. 16, through Sunday, Aug. 18. Held at the tribe’s Wacipi Grounds in Shakopee, the free weekend-long event draws hundreds of dancers and thousands of visitors each year.

A wacipi, or powwow, is a traditional Native American celebration of life. Meaning “they all dance” in the Dakota language, the wacipi was historically used by Native peoples to gather at the end of a season, celebrate a good hunt or recognize a positive event. While the dances still hold sacred ceremonial meaning for those who participate, the SMSC Wacipi has evolved into a contest powwow, where dancers and drum groups compete for top honors in a variety of style categories. The event also includes vendors of Native American crafts and foods.

The schedule for the weekend includes:

Friday, Aug. 16
Grand Entry at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 17
Grand Entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 18
Grand Entry at 1 p.m.

Attendees can take a free shuttle bus from Mystic Lake Casino Hotel’s hotel entrance, the Mystic Lake bus entrance, Hoċokata Ṫi or Little Six Casino to the Wacipi Grounds. Shuttles will run from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. on Aug. 16, 8 a.m.-2 a.m. on Aug. 17, and 8 a.m. until the end of the Wacipi on Aug. 18. Parking is also available on site.

The SMSC will also hold a free Wacipi exhibition at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Mall of America rotunda.

For more information, please visit smscwacipi.org.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is a federally recognized, sovereign Dakota tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and donates more to Indian Country than any other tribal government or organization in the country. It is a strong community partner, a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources, and is dedicated to preserving its culture and history. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County and attract millions of visitors to the region. For more information, visit shakopeedakota.org.