SPEARFISH, S.D. — It has been two years because the Lakota Omniciye Wacipi had been held on the campus of Black Hills State University.
That streak got here to an finish on Saturday.
It even wrapped up American Indian Awareness week, the place Black Hills State has been internet hosting audio system to educate about Native American historical past and culture.
“This is our first Powwow since 2019, since COVID occurred and we’re simply actually completely satisfied to be right here,” mentioned Selena Tobacco, the president of the Lakota Omniciye Student Organization, who set up the occasion.
Indeed, the normal Powwow was back with all its shade, singing and dancing.
“It’s simply to carry the culture right here and to have everyone expertise it at this school and it’s simply to carry everyone collectively,” mentioned Tristine Cross Dog of the Lakota Omniciye Student Organization.
The Lakota Omniciye Student Organization works tirelessly to elevate funds and put collectively the occasion that additionally brings distributors, dancers and households collectively to have fun a school program that acknowledges culture.
“It’s sort of good simply to come right here and have those who I’m conversant in, like my culture and convey consciousness to campus about our culture,” Tobacco mentioned.
It’s additionally a celebration of the laborious work that it took to get to there.
“The complete level of a Wacipi is a gathering, it’s a celebration. So for us it’s simply to have fun all of the laborious work we’ve performed as a pupil group after which it’s a celebration for everyone to come collectively and dance,” mentioned Lara No Braid, an outreach coordinator for the Lakota Omniciye Student Organization.
Other discovered that the custom was back for people who wanted it most.
“Some folks had such a tough time throughout the pandemic, so it is a means for them to come back out into the circle and actually come back to what they’re used to and what’s acquainted to them,” No Braid mentioned.
Others saved the custom of coming back to the Powwow, primarily due to what it’s introduced down for them.
“My complete household dances, so it’s simply actually entertaining to watch, see everyone’s completely different kinds and simply seeing everyone’s happiness and feeling the thrill and the whole lot,” Cross Dog mentioned.
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