Learn about ancient customs of the tribes by attending a Pow Wow, or
Wacipi, which is the Native American gathering of song, dance, ceremony and family celebration. All nations are welcome and encouraged to come to these celebrations to increase awareness about the customs of the native american people.
There are two kinds of pow wows-tradtional and competition or contest. Traditional Pow Wows focus more on the honoring aspects of traditions, closeness of family, with giveaway prizes. Competition or contest Pow Wows are competitions with prizes for the best dancers in each event. Pow Wows are held all over South Dakota the year round.
There are protocols to the Pow Wows out of respect to the tribes. It is best to know what is expected so you and your family will have lots of fun. If at any time, if you have questions, be sure to ask a Pow Wow administrator or any staff.
- Drinking or drugs will not be tolerated.
- The arena is set aside for dancing and other ceremonies. You will find there is a sheltered area which may be in the form of an arbor or canopy, and this section is set aside for elders, dancers and singers, spectators and Pow Wow officials. Do no sit in these areas.
- If you see tipis, tents and such on the grounds, do not go inside, as these are the living quarters for someone taking part in the Pow Wow. Tipis set up for public education or demonstrations will be marked accordingly.
- Once the arena has been blessed with sage and prayer, it has become sacred ground. You are not allowed to walk into the arena, and please keep children from doing so. Anyone who is disrespectful and does not follow this rule will be chastised by the announcer or Pow Wow official.
- Ask before taking pictures.
- Because a dancer's clothing is Regalia, not costume, it has went through blessing and prayer. Therefore, it is asked never to touch any of the dancer's clothing.
- If you notice a dancer has dropped a feather or other regalia, do not pick it up. Let the dancer know so they can correctly retrieve it.
- Out of respect, please stand during honor songs, flag songs, ceremonies and prayers.
- This is very important, but perhaps difficult, but--put aside your stereotypes. Native Americans can look many different ways, from tall with olive complexions to fair-skinned and blue-eyed. they come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. Please do not inquire of a Native American if they are "Indian" or "half-breed," as this is rude and disrespectful.
More and more, college students from all over the country are choosing to do volunteer studies on many South Dakota Indian Reservations like Rosebud, Cheyenne River, Standing Rock, Pine Ridge, Lower Brule, Crow Creek, and Sisseton. Students will live in an Indian Community, encountering directly the issues and concerns confronting a "culture within a culture." They will visit and learn the history behind Wounded Knee, the Badlands, Black Hills, Bear Butte, and significant Dakota sites in Minnesota.
What is startling as well as surprising about the Pine Ridge Reservation is the conflict and sadness hidden behind the beauty of the lovely lands of these Great Plains. Pine Ridge, known to residents as "The Rez" is divided into two counties: Shannon and Jackson, and is the second largest reservation in the country. Home to the Oglala Latoka nation, it lies just south of
Badlands National Park and the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. The population here is about 30,000. In Shannon, the average income is $3,700, unemployment is close to 80%, and the life expectancy for men is 48, for women it is 52. Close to half of these people over 40 have diabetes, and this area is the highest in America for alcoholism. These contradictions are truly hard to grasp, as you look around you at thebeauty of these rolling hills and wild prairie.
Indian Reservations are rewarding places to visit for their rich history, customs, and ways of life. It is interesting to view the comparison and contrasts of the ways Native Americans onced lived, and how they live today.
