37th Annual Oglala Lakota Nation Wacipi

PINE RIDGE – One of the largest powwows on the Northern circuit was held last weekend. The Oglala Lakota celebrated their 37^th Annual Oglala Lakota Nation Wacipi, Rodeo and Parade, August 3-6.

Driving to the powwow, one felt like they were driving in a Las Angeles traffic jam. The traffic moved slowly, inching forward towards Big Bats Gas station, giving a strong indication of the amount of people attending the weekend festivities. The good thing about being Lakota is that people are genuinely courteous and allow entry into the traffic, which almost seemed to have its own unwritten laws.

Entering closer to the powwow grounds one could see that the skate park was flooded, inundated in a pond of water. Although the parking lot was extremely muddy, there were plenty of cars. After finding a spot to park one walks in and pays an entry fee. From there it was nothing but the sights and smells of dancers and vendors. The sounds of drums heard all the way through Pine Ridge as the singers gave there all to sing and honor Lakota cultural way of life. Walking around wasn’t a problem because if one is familiar with any reservation, it comes with its dry days and it comes with its muddy ones as well.

Heyapaha Chris Eagle Hawk said, “The pow wow first honors the Veteran’s. Then they honor the people and the spectators who come to watch the spirit of the Indigenous people. We share a lot of things that we have in common with each other, the drums, songs, dances, we all share these things no matter what part of Turtle Island we are from. We share medicines to be happy and relieve stress. Young people dance for elders who can’t dance anymore or are having a hard time physically. The people heal from watching through their eyes. “

Pine Ridge resident Nyna Matowin, Nammy Nominee for Best Vocalist and R&B recording was in attendance and said, “Always have fun with it, no matter what it is you’re doing, whether it be dancing, or singing, do whatever feels like ‘it’, you can make money but just make sure you do what you enjoy, and own it.”

Isiah Poor Bear, Oglala Lakota Basketball player is the 2023 Shafter Dart Most Inspirational Player. He said, “Be ok with failure, I failed over and over to understand that failure is not the end, keep going.”

POW wow Princess Antonia ShoulderBlade honored Rosalee Delachevrotier with her first shawl. Antonia told her, “Don’t be afraid to Dance your own style.” 

Rosalee, age 7 from Rapid City, was enjoying her very first Pow Wow, she said, “I like the drums and seeing all the people dancing.”

Miguel Eagle, Men’s Traditional dancer said, “Despite the weather friends and family make it better”. Corey Stover, Chicken Dancer, and vocational Educational Director at Oglala Lakota College says, “Oglala Nation Wacipi is a beautiful event to bring together many different tribes. We celebrate our sovereignty and Lakota way of life at our annual Wacipi and Rodeo. It is always an honor to see our relatives come together this way. “Thank you to all drum groups in attendance.

Ghost Nation drum group, was invited all the way from Minneapolis, MN, Thomas Butcher Jr, Jr Uses Arrow, Totewin Uses Arrow, Ryan Uses Arrow, Naca Charging Crow.

Two Elk Drum Group consisted of Sheldon Two Crow, Sage Fast Dog, Francis Sherwood, Je, Conquering Bear, Josh Tunderhawk and Ron Crossdog.

Full Metal Jacket drum group from Oklahoma City consisted of Anthony Yahola, Keesis Potts, Damon Whpekeche, Dom Blindwoman, Sergio Buffalohead, Alex Marks, (grass dancer), Keenan Springer, (Grass Dancer). 

Indian Hill drum group was in attendance with Valentino Spazz Dewitt as the lead singer, Tyrone Tafoya, Willy Tewawina, Richard Lent, Bj Braveheart, Brandon Braveheart, Anthony Gold Dust Guertoz and Amery Braveheart.

The Painted Rhythm Drum group was in attendance, Kevin Penderson Jr., Grant Weston Jason Drapeaux Jr.

The Porcupine Singers were in attendance, Cameron YoungBear Jr. Wes New Holy Sr., Melvin YoungBear, Dusty Phelps, Laban Red Owl Jr. Chandler RedBird, Cetan Luta YoungBear, MJ BullBear.

Joy was felt by all, with people meeting friends along the way, sharing smiles and war hugs from friends and relatives from all around. The rain seemed to have no effect on the amount of fun all the kids were having. Watching the Rabbit dance was very heart warming, seeing not only the elders but there were all walks of life dancing. One mother carried her newborn baby during the Rabbit Dance, two elderly couples and one middle aged couple were dancing and then you look over and you see two tiny tots joined hands and mimicking the adults as they too joined in the dance. The love and healing power of connection was felt all around the POW wow grounds.

(Contact Christopher Piña at staffwriter3@nativesunnews.today)

The post 37th Annual Oglala Lakota Nation Wacipi first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

Visit Original Source