The 30th annual Black Hills Pow Wow is this weekend at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City.
While the event is open to all, many non-natives may lack a basic understanding of what happens at a pow wow.
A Wacipi 101 course was given Tuesday night to educate those interested in learning more.
Wacipi means “to dance.” And there will be plenty of dancing at the Black Hills National Pow Wow this weekend.
Whitney Rencountre started the Wacipi 101 class last year to help any non-natives understand how a pow wow works. Rencountre says the class’s aim is helping people understand and be respectful at the pow wow this weekend.
“The Wacipi is a social gathering. It’s a social event to celebrate out connection to this world. Although there are some proper things to do when you go and want to take a picture it’s good to ask permission first, or, if you want to record some of the music it’s good to ask permission first. But if you’re there truly to take it in, truly to take in the songs, the dance, the atmosphere in a respectful manner, you’re more than welcome to be there.”
Rencountre points to the footwork of the dancers. He says the drum represents the heartbeat of the Lakota people. This course and the pow wow, he says, is designed to bridge cultural gaps in the community.
“What you see happening in Rapid City and in South Dakota is a great push to really celebrate our culture and you see our younger generation understanding the importance of unity between cultures, not division. Which, historically we have been divided. And when that happens we feel like our future is great for our children.”
The Black Hills Pow Wow starts Friday morning at 9:30 with the Youth Day Symposium.