On Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4, the Spring Mni Wakan Oyate Wetu Wacipi (which translates to Sacred Water Nation) took place at the Burdick Arena. People who attended got to see traditional Native American dances, which included Traditional, Fancy, Jingle, Grass, and Chicken dances. Dancers in each category were awarded cash prizes.
The prizes and categories were as follows:
Golden Age Women (55+) & Women (18-54): Traditional, Jingle, Fancy prizes were $600, $300, $200, $100
Golden Age Men (55+) & Men (18-54): Traditional, Grass, Chicken, Fancy $600, $300, $200, $100
Girls (6-17): Traditional, Jingle, Fancy $300, $250, $200, $150, $100
Boys (6-17): Traditional, Grass, Fancy $300, $250, $200, $150, $100
Tiny-Tots (5 & Under) were paid day money for participation.
Children, teenagers, adults, and seniors all got the opportunity to showcase their dances to an energetic crowd who packed the arena.
There was also a drum and singing contest with a cash prize. The winners of the drumming/singing contest were as follows:
5th: Long Hollow
4th: Kingbird
3rd: Yellow Medicine
2nd: Ho-Chunk Station
1st: Fort Peck Sioux
Craft vendors were also on hand selling food and traditional Native American items such as dreamcatchers, clothes, blankets, and much more.
Every year, the Oyate is an incredible display of talent, tradition, and energy. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the celebration of Native American culture.
The next event will be Fort Totten Days Celebration, happening July 25-27 at the Pow Wow Grounds south of Four Winds High School. Several other activities take place that weekend, as well, including a rodeo, horse race, games and a parade. The Journal will provide more information closer to that weekend.
If you want to see the entire May 3 & 4 event streamed online, you can watch it on YouTube on the channel PowWows.com
