Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT A WACIPI (POWWOW)?

Wacipis are fun. You will see beautiful regalia and breathtaking performances. You are also there to reunite with old friends and meet new ones, but remember that powwows are also cultural events infused with tradition.

There are protocols, so just be aware of a few details, especially if you are a first-time powwower.​

Etiquette:

  • Ask permission of the dancers before you photograph them, especially if you intend to market your photos.​

  • Please do not take photographs during special events such as prayers or honor songs.​

  • Listen to the MCs! They will inform the crowd of ceremonial events during which picture-taking is not allowed.​

  • Please do not interrupt the dancers’ concentration while photographing. Many dancers may be involved in competition dancing. Be respectful of the situation.​

  • Regalia is the correct verbiage, not “COSTUME”​

  • Please do not touch dancers’ regalia or possessions​

  • Please feel free to inquire at the event headquarters tent if you have further questions.

Educational Information:

𝗪𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗶 – (𝗪𝗔𝗛-𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗘-𝗣𝗜) - Wacipi means “they dance” and dancing is at the center of a powwow. Dancers travel from tribal communities across the United States and Canada to participate in exhibitions and contests.

He Mni Can (Heh-Meh-Nee-Cha) means hill, water, wood in Dakota language.

The Grand Entry: The Grand Entry signals the start of the event. It features military veterans, honored guests, and an Honor Guard carrying the tribe’s war staff, the American Flag, and tribal flags.

Lowanpi (low-wan-pe): Lowanpi means “singing with” in Dakota. Singing is vital to the Dakota Indigenous culture. It hold their languages and expressions of their stories. The drum is displayed as the heartbeat of their people. The drum is made of buffalo hide and each drum holds a spirit.

The Ceremonial Dances:

Men’s Traditional: The Men’s Traditional simulates the warrior stalking his prey or preparing for battle. He usually carries an eagle feather fan and a staff and wears a single bustle, arm bands, ankle bells and a roach.

Grass Dance: It is a fast-paced dance with sweeping motions and symmetry. The dancer, clad in bright colors, sways and moves like a strand of grass in the wind. The dancer, wearing long ribbons and fringes, flattens the grass as a young warrior preparing the ground for a ceremony.

Men’s Fancy: The Men's Fancy Dance showcases fast footwork, athleticism, agility, and originality. The dance is characterized by colorful, elaborate outfits that include beadwork, feathers, ribbons, and a bustle worn at the back of the neck

Women’s Traditional: Traditional Women Dancers are looked upon with reverence at powwows. Women’s Traditional exemplifies grace, humility, and dignity. Women’s Traditional dancers stand in one place, usually near the drum. This stately dance involves a slow or non-moving bouncing step moving to the drumbeat.

Jingle Dance: The traditional jingle dance is characterized by the jingle dress and light footwork danced close to ground. The jingle dresses are made from multi-colored fabric decorated with jingles made of tin or other metals.

The Fancy Shawl Dance: The Fancy Shawl Dance style involves a lot of motion and agility and is known for its graceful and light style. It is the most modern of the ladies’ dances. Each dancer has their own individual style, but it is important to keep the dance steps and body movement in time with the drumbeat.