Ihanktonwan Nation Wacipi

09/03/2026

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO READ AND SHARE

Our Wacipi weekend is almost here, and our grounds are looking beautiful! The carnival rides are already being set up, and we are getting everything ready for what we hope will be an amazing weekend for our families, friends, and guests!

We also wanted to take a moment to clear up a misunderstanding we’ve heard recently.

Our Wacipi is NOT closed or invite-only. Everyone is welcome! We welcome all nations, our local communities, and our non-Native friends and neighbors. There is absolutely no discrimination based on race.

This Wacipi is something our communities come together to make possible, and we want to share that experience with everyone who would like to respectfully attend.

If you have never been to a Wacipi before, come join us! Take in the beautiful dancing, listen to the rocking drums, enjoy some delicious food and drinks from our vendors, visit with our community, and let the kids enjoy a FREE carnival! 🎡

You don’t have to be Native to come experience a Wacipi. We simply ask that everyone comes with respect, kindness, and an open heart. Our staff, volunteers, security, and officers will be here throughout the weekend to help everyone have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Our team is always happy to answer questions if this is your first Wacipi or you’re unsure about what to expect. Don’t be afraid to ask! We want our guests to feel comfortable and welcomed.

Security will also assist with parking and help elders or anyone who may need assistance getting around the grounds.

Come spend the weekend with us, make some memories, support our vendors, enjoy the dancing and singing, and experience a beautiful gathering of our people.

Our community welcomes you. We hope to see you there!

Bring your family. Bring your friends. Heck even bring your snag 🤣♥️

09/03/2026

Closing today at 5PM!

Chili and Choki Round cookoffs during our Labor Day Wacipi! Who’s going to win it this year 👀

Registration application will be in the comments. Please send them back to the Ihanktonwan Nation Wacipi page or to Merna Hare

09/02/2026

Surprise 🎉

The Wacipi Committee wanted to honor the singing contest pledges from last year and took on the responsibility of hosting one for our all our drums! Singers/Drums who enter the contest will still receive day pay!

Check in with our Arena Directors Peter Hare Sr. and Kevin Pederson Jr. for more info 👏🏽

09/02/2026

Two man hand drum contest in Memory of Joshua Jacob Arrow & Charles Selwyn 💜 check the poster for details! Sponsored by Wakiyan and family.

09/01/2026

Join us this weekend!!

We will see you all there! 🎉🎡🎟️ read for all the information, please share!

09/01/2026

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our communities experienced some of the most difficult and uncertain times. Through it all, Korey Patterson, Daryl Arpan, and John Sully Sr. stepped up and gave so much of themselves to help our relatives and families.

They answered the call when people needed help, honored our relatives, supported families during their time of need, and traveled countless miles to help bring our loved ones home. Their compassion, dedication, and willingness to serve our communities will not be forgotten.

Please join us as we take time to show our gratitude and honor these three men for all they have done for our people. ❤️

Honoring will take place after Friday Grand Entry

We invite our relatives, friends, and community members to come stand with us and show these men how much their service and kindness have meant to our communities.

Thank you for all that you have done, and continue to do, for our people

Please share and help us spread the word.

09/01/2026

Due to unforeseen circumstances the family has cancelled the singing contest. All previous powwow posters have been updated with the change.

08/31/2026

We have been getting messages about the cook off registrations and not being able to find them. They are both on the same registration.

So far we have three registrations for chili and one for choki! First place is $600!

Send registrations forms to the Wacipi page or to Merna Hare

08/31/2026

Calling all our deadly Aunties & Uncles! Who’s going to be the big winner this year 👀

02/28/2026

Our Wacipi Committee is beginning preparations for this year’s Wacipi to be held September 5-7, 2026. We are inviting our community to take part in several meaningful ways.

We are holding space for families that are interested in having a special during the Wacipi. Specials can be held in loving memory of someone, or in honor of an individual’s achievements, milestones, or contributions. This is a beautiful way to recognize and uplift our loved ones.

We are also inviting any families who would be interested in helping with our Red Regalia Special to please let us know. This special has been a great success over the years, and it continues to grow each year. We would love to continue to create that space for our families to honor their loved ones.

We are accepting nominations for our Wacipi royalty: Brave, Tiny Tot Princess, Junior Miss, and Miss Ihanktonwan Nation Wacipi. We encourage youth from Wagner, Lake Andes, Marty, and Greenwood to be nominated. We are seeking young people who are passionate about their culture and would proudly represent our Wacipi and our people in a positive way. Last year, the Wacipi Committee chose these individuals and want to continue doing it in this way.

In addition, we are asking for nominations for a community member to be honored during the Wacipi. Every year the committee has chose someone who gives selflessly, helps others, and makes a positive impact on our tribe and we would like to hear your nominations.

If you would like to host a special, help with the Red Regalia Special, or submit a nomination, please reach out to us by messaging this page or Merna Hare. We look forward to celebrating our youth, our families, and our communities together.

Thank you for helping us make this year’s Wacipi meaningful and strong. 🤍