Wacipi—or powwow—is a traditional Native American gathering. It is a time for renewing friendships and making new ones, dancing, singing, and celebrating. Join us for the annual SMSC Wacipi August 15-17, 2025.
After a hot, yet exciting weekend full of dancing, drumming, and singing, we are glad to announce the winners of each category for this year’s Wacipi!
If you are unable to attend in-person, view the event on one of our livestreams.
The SMSC Wacipi and Mdewakanton Public Safety are offering free child safety wristbands to visitors to safely reunite lost children with their loved ones.
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Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Dakota tribal government located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to other tribal governments and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. 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.
The Women`s Jingle Dress Dance originated with the Anishinaabe as a ceremonial dance. The dresses have rows of tin jingles that create a melodic sound as the women dance. The style of this dance can range from traditional, simple steps to modern, intricate ones. 🩵 🪶
#TBT to Saturday Grand Entry at the 2012 SMSC Wacipi! ⭐️
Háŋpa aṗedaŋ ṡkáta úpo! Calling all moccasin players to the 2025 #SMSCwacipi August 15-17 in Shakopee, Minnesota! Four people required per team. Háŋpa aṗedaŋ uŋṡkatapte do!
Hotel block reservations at @MysticLakeCasino Hotel available through link in bio.
Ookiye Owas Iyekiyewicak̇iyapi
“Recognizing All the Staff Helping with the Wacipi”
Little Bear - Invited Drum
"Little Bear `Makoons` was established/formed in Red Lake, Minnesota in the year of 2010 as a Youth Drum Group. We give our thanks to our mentors, Larry Vanwert, Sr., and the late Darren Defoe, Sr., for the teachings of the drum, as we still hold on to those teachings to this day. As we grew older, our drum has taken us to many celebrations and many more to come."
Happy #TinyTotTuesday, everyone! ❤️ We can`t wait to see even more Tiny Tots at this year`s #SMSCWacipi!
Ookiye Owas Iyekiyewicak̇iyapi
“Recognizing All the Staff Helping with the Wacipi”
Ho-Chunk - Invited Drum
"Aho! We are Ho-Chunk Station, and we hail from Lyndon Station, Wisconsin. Our drum group was created by our late dad, Rick Cleveland Sr., of the Ho-Chunk Nation. We have been singing since 2007, and we are still going strong today. We represent the tribes of our singers as well as our own great Ho-Chunk Nation. We appreciate the invite this year and look forward to sharing our style of singing."
Ookiye Owas Iyekiyewicak̇iyapi
“Recognizing All the Staff Helping with the Wacipi”
Cree Confederation - Invited Drum
"Cree Confederation Singers are a powwow drum group from Treaty 6 Territory, known for powerful vocals, original songs, and dedication to Cree culture. They are two-time Juno Awards and one-time Grammy Awards nominees, and feature Fawn Wood, a Juno Award winner and two-time Grammy nominee, adding star power and deep cultural roots to the group."
#TBT to the 2008 SMSC Wacipi! 💙 Check out the flyer featuring the head staff, invited drums, and specials from that year!
