Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi exhibition comes to Mall of America®

Native American dancers from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Prior Lake, Minn. and other Indian nations will perform in full regalia at Mall of America^® on August 16 at the annual SMSC Pow Wow Exhibition. A whirl of colors, sights and sounds will fill the Rotunda as it is transformed into a Pow Wow arena, complete with drum groups and Native American dancers of all ages performing to live Pow Wow music.

The exhibition will include two feature performances, each beginning with a Native American Grand Entry lead by the Sisseton Wahpeton Vietnam Veterans Color Guard, with dancers wearing colorful regalia including feather bustles, bells, beadwork and more. Throughout each performance a Master of Ceremony will describe each style of dance to the audience. A special program to honor veterans will also be held featuring the story of Native Americans and their service in the U.S. military.

Mall guests will have the opportunity to join the dancers and participate in the Intertribals and Round Dance.

A Wacipi is a traditional Native American cultural celebration where the generations gather to socialize, to dance, and to sing. In the Dakota Language, the word “Wacipi” [wah-chee-pee] means “they dance.” It translates into English as a Pow Wow. Often held over a weekend, a Wacipi is filled with songs and dances, singers with their drums, and dancers in their regalia.

For more information visit: http://www.shakopeedakota.org/wacipi.html.

 

SEE:      

More than 50 Native American dancers performing to live music in full regalia                

Mall guests participating in Native American dances

Native American Grand Entry complete with the Eagle Feather Staff and national, state, tribal and veteran’s flags

 

WHEN:

Thursday, August 16

2 p.m. and 5 p.m. – Exhibiting Sessions

3:30 p.m. – Honoring Veterans

 

WHERE:

Mall of America – Rotunda

 

 About Mall of America®

Mall of America is the nation’s largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.2 million square feet, MOA is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe®, the nation’s largest indoor family amusement park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America® – a 14-screen movie theater with VIP theatre and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Follow Mall of America on Facebook and Twitter or visit our blog.