Powwow & Dance
50th Annual Powwow & Cultural Celebration
September 17-19, 2026 | Chamberlain, South Dakota
Celebrate 50 years of honoring Lakota (Sioux) culture, tradition and community at St. Joseph’s Indian School’s largest event of the year.
Gallery
Moments From Past Powwows
Schedule at a Glance
(subject to change)
Thursday, Sept. 17
- 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Guest Registration (Recreation Center) - 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Coffee Vendor — “Coffee Cantina” (Rec Center) - 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Equine Therapy Center Open House - 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Circle of Culture: Alumni Teaching Traditions (Recreation Center)
Friday, Sept. 18
- 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Guest Registration (Recreation Center) - 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Self-Tour Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel - 9:00 am – 11:15 am
Cultural Activities - 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Coffee Vendor — “Coffee Cantina” (Rec Center) - 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Food Trucks (Wisdom Circle) - 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
School & Health Center Open House - 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Cultural Performance - 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Alumni Thiyóšpaye Social
Saturday, Sept. 19
- 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Self-tour Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel - 8:30 am – 11:00 am
Guest Registration (Recreation Center) - 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Student Homes Open House - 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Concession Stand - 11:45 am
Powwow Grounds Blessing - 12:00 pm
Grand Entry & Powwow - 5:00 pm
Mass - 5:30 pm
Complimentary Meal & Powwow Prizes
What to Expect
- Everyone is welcome. Attend one day or enjoy the full weekend.
- Powwow dance competitions
- Traditional Lakota foods
- Guided tours of school, health center and homes
- Cultural performances and activities
- Equine Therapy Center experience – Meet the horses
Plan Your Visit
- Pre-register online or by calling 855-777-3433
- Register upon campus arrival at the Recreation Center
- Wear comfortable shoes; bring a jacket
- Lawn chairs or blankets encouraged
- No pets
- No smoking
- No camping on campus
-P. Bastian, Minnesota
“We were able to see the true work of God in action. All of the people you had there to get people from one place to another was very impressive. In this place, you feel the love of God and peace in preserving this beautiful culture and celebrating it.”
Plan Ahead
Powwow Resources
Learn More about Powwow & Dance
Registered contestants participate in the dancing until the “intertribal dance” is announced. At this time, all visitors attending the powwow take part. At a powwow, there are no spectators, everyone is considered a participant.
