2012 BHSU American Indian Awareness Week & Lakota Omniciye Wacipi

– by Tracey

Here in the Black Hills, the beginning of Spring is marked by American Indian Awareness Week and Lakota Omniciye Wacipi at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD.

This event is open to the public and a great opportunity to enjoy traditional food, see beautiful regalia, watch amazing dancers, listen to the haunting sounds of Native song, and experience the powerful, heart throbbing beat of the legendary drum!
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Lakota Omnicye Wacipi
The theme for this year’s pow wow is "Mending the Sacred Hoop: A Circle of Unity".

Where: Donald E. Young Sports & Fitness Center Field House
When: April 13 - 15 | April 14: Free Buffalo Feed

American Indian Awareness Week
The annual pow wow is part of BHSUs American Indian Awareness Week, an event “dedicated to educating the community about Indian culture”.

Where: Jonas building on the campus of BHSU
When: April 10 – 15

Throughout the week, daily speakers will include:

  • Phillip White Man Jr: Respect for Diversity and Cultural Humility (more than Integrity)
  • Heather Dawn Thompson: Turning Issues into Action: Inside Secrets to Advocacy”
  • Donald Montileaux
  • J.R. LaPlante: Current Legal Issues Facing South Dakota Tribes
  • Candy Hamilton: Access Possibilities - Building Friendly Diversity in our Communities
  • Tim Giago: The Role of Media in Creating Unity or Division
  • Rosalie Little Thunder: Legalistic Approach to Eagle Feathers Not the Lakota Spirituality of Her Ancestors
  • Harvey DuMarce: Being Dakota in the Modern World
  • Gerald Yellow Hawk
  • Walt Swan: Unity in Education - Experiences From a Tribal Perspective
  • Whitney Rencountre: Wacipi – A Way of Life
  • Lila Mehlhaff: Unity Through Healing

Bead & Bookmobile: Come out and see us!
During the Pow Wow, we will also be showcasing our unique craft supplies, botanicals and beads; as well as our collection of Native American books, music and movies. If you have a special request and would like us to bring something in particular with us, please let us know!

Where: Donald E. Young Sports & Fitness Center Field House
When: Friday, April 13 – 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Saturday, April 14 – 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm