Annual American Indian Day and Powwow
A traditional Lakota (Sioux) powwow helps Native American children, like those at St. Joseph's Indian School, share their culture, heritage and traditions with friends like you from around the nation.
Since 1976, St. Joseph's Indian School has hosted an annual weekend of Lakota culture on our Chamberlain, South Dakota campus.
Visitors are welcomed and encouraged to attend many or all of our powwow activities.
Guests enjoy free Native American cultural activities like:
- A thiyóšpaye — extended family — banquet on Friday night
- Tours of St. Joseph's campus, school and the children's homes
- An all day powwow dance competition for Lakota children of all ages
- Indian drum group competition
- Traditional Lakota (Sioux) meals
- And much, much more!!
43rd Annual Powwow Schedule of Events
Thursday, September 19, 2019
8:00 am – 5:00 pm – Guest Registration required once (Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center)
9:00 am – 3:00 pm – Reservation Bus Tour (reservations require for bus tour — limited seating)
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Meet & Greet (Rec Center)
Friday, September 20, 2019
8:00 am – 5:00 pm – Guest Registration required once (Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center)
8:00 am – 9:00 am – Breakfast Open House & office tour (Nagel Business Office)
9:15 am – 11:30 am – Cultural Activities (Rec Center and Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center)
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – School Open House
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm – Cultural Performance & Royalty Crowning Ceremony (Rec Center)
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Thiyóšpaye Banquet (Arrowwood Resort — reservations required — sponsored event)
Saturday, September 21, 2019
8:30 am – Noon – Guest Registration required once (Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center)
9:00 am – 11:00 am – Open House at the Homes & Chapel
11:45 am – Powwow Grounds Blessing
Noon – Powwow Grand Entry & Powwow
5:00 pm – Mass at Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel
5:30 pm – Complimentary Meal (Picnic Pavilion)
*Powwow prizes awarded after the meal.
Upon your arrival to campus, please register once at the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center where you will receive a packet of useful information and Chamberlain/Oacoma area coupons.
Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket. Seating is limited; please bring lawn chairs or blankets.
NO PETS OR SMOKING ALLOWED ON CAMPUS
NO CAMPING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS