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News • South Dakota • United States • 2013-03-28

South Dakota Travel Professionals E-newsletter (2013, #2)

Cultural Ties – Native American Powwows and Celebrations

South Dakota’s history began before the state’s admission to the union in 1889. South Dakota’s first inhabitants enjoyed a rich and vibrant culture that is also a major component of South Dakota’s heritage. Approximately 71,000 Native Americans reside in South Dakota today. Most of them are Dakota, Lakota or Nakota people, also known collectively as Sioux. Each year, a number of Native American-held celebrations, known as powwows, take place throughout South Dakota, giving visitors a unique opportunity to get a modern-day glimpse into this fascinating culture.

The word “festive” best describes the atmosphere of a powwow, or “wacipi” (dance). Spirited drumming and singing fill the air as dancers complete their fancy footwork. Many of today’s powwows feature competitions in categories such as traditional, fancy and jingle dress dancing.

Visitors to the eastern side of the state can attend the 51st Annual Flandreau Santee Traditional Powwow (July 19-21, 2013). Beginning in 1962, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe initiated this celebration that continues to thrive today.

August brings a number of opportunities for South Dakota visitors to attend Native American celebrations. Taking place in Pine Ridge, the Oglala Nation Powwow and Rodeo (August 2-4, 2013) combines traditional Native American celebrations with the official South Dakota state sport, rodeo. Another event takes place the following weekend on the Lower Brule Reservation. Located in the heart of the Sioux Nation, the Kul-Wisaca Oyate Fair & Powwow (August 9-11, 2013) provides a weekend full of exciting activities. Visitors to the Lower Brule region can also travel a portion of the Native American Scenic Byway, a 315-mile section of highway that crosses the reservations of four tribes of Lakota Sioux: Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock. There are a number of attractions located along the Native American Scenic Byway, including the Buffalo Interpretive Center. This educational site teaches the story of the buffalo and illustrates the significant impact this majestic animal has on Native American culture. The Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre also exhibits a number of Native American artifacts. The nearby Crow Creek Sioux Reservation holds the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Annual Powwow the following weekend (August 16-18, 2013).

The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe holds their annual wacipi the following month. The 61st Annual Cheyenne River Sioux Powwow (September 6-8, 2013) takes place at the powwow grounds in Eagle Butte.

The Black Hills are regarded as sacred by the Sioux. Located near Custer, Crazy Horse Memorial is an on-going mountain carving that pays homage to one of the Sioux’s greatest leaders. When completed, the memorial will be the world’s largest mountain sculpture. Nearby Custer State Park is the second-largest state park in the nation and is home to approximately 1,300 free-roaming buffalo. In October, the Black Hills Powwow (October 4-6, 2013) has become one of the premier Native American cultural events in the United States, attracting hundreds of dancers, singers, artisans and thousands of spectators from several states and Canadian provinces. While in Rapid City, your clients can also visit The Journey Museum, which provides an introspective look into the history of the Black Hills and their influence on Native American culture.

During the inter-tribal dance, spectators get their chance to enter the dance ring. At most powwows, you\'ll also have the opportunity to sample traditional foods like Indian fry bread and \"wojapi,\" a fruit pudding.

Many powwows are held at the same time each year. However, it’s best to call ahead to verify dates and times. When attending a powwow, visitors should be respectful. For more information see our Visitor Etiquette section. For a full powwow event calendar, please visit our Powwows and Celebrations page. Further information can be found by contacting the South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations.

Travel Professionals Tip

The 2013-2014 edition of the South Dakota Vacation Guide is now available. This free guide features a wide variety of destination, attraction, lodging and restaurant options from every corner of South Dakota. Your clients can be directed to TravelSD.com to request their own copy. Travel Professionals should visit TourSDakota.com to request the 2013-2014 guide, as well as other useful publications. Request yours today!

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Featured Itinerary: Interstate 90 and the Black Hills

Day One

One of the most popular routes across South Dakota, Interstate 90, offers excellent sites and attractions along the way. Sioux Falls combines the amenities of a large community, more than 500 restaurants and 4,100 hotel/motel rooms, with the down-home appeal of America’s heartland and some great shopping. West of Sioux Falls lies Mitchell, home of the World’s Only Corn Palace, and a retail outfitter for the outdoors. Beyond Mitchell is Chamberlain where Interstate 90 meets the Missouri River. The Akta Lakota Museum features Lakota art and artifacts. Groups can stop for a buffalo burger and a piece of homemade pie at a local restaurant. Evening entertainment might include a visit to the tribal casino on the Lower Brule Indian Reservation northwest of Chamberlain. Overnight in Chamberlain.

Day Two

Head west to Murdo and an auto museum featuring more than 250 antique classic cars. Farther west lies a collection of early prairie town buildings and the entrance to Badlands National Park. The park was a major film site of the movies “Thunderheart,” “Starship Troopers,” and “Armageddon.” Take the Badlands Loop (Highway 240) for awesome views of this 244,000-acre (97,600 ha) national park. After the Badlands, take a break in Wall at the internationally famous drug store. Evening entertainment could include a chuckwagon supper and trail or wagon ride at a real Western ranch. Overnight in Wall.

Day Three

Westward ho to the Black Hills. Black Hills tours can hub and spoke out of nearly any city in the area. The area is also perfect for circle tours. See Black Hills itineraries for additional ideas in this region.

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