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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
- Equine Therapy Center Tour – Meet the Horses
- Traditional Lakota (Sioux) meals
- And much, much more!!
47th Annual Powwow Schedule of Events
Thursday, September 14, 2023
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Guest Registration required only once at arrival (Nagel Business Office)
5:00 pm: Meet and Greet (Rec Center)
Friday, September 15, 2023
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Guest Registration for new arrivals (Nagel Business Office)
8:00 am – 1:00 pm: Food Truck (Wisdom Circle)
9:15 am – 11:30 am: Cultural Activities (Rec Center and Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center)
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Equine Therapy Open House
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: School and Health Center Open House
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm: Cultural Performance (Rec Center)
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Thiyóšpaye Banquet (Arrowwood Resort)
Saturday, September 16, 2023
8:30 am – Noon: Guest Registration for new arrivals (Nagel Business Office)
9:00 am – 11:00 am: Homes & Chapel Open House
11:30 am: Grass Flattening/Powwow Grounds Blessing
Noon: 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.
Upon your arrival to campus, please register only once at the Nagel Business Office 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; if you are able, please bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Please be aware that parking and traffic flow on campus will be impacted due to the construction and remodel of the Rec Center. Attendees are advised to prepare for the possibility of walking longer distances or waiting for transportation. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.
NO PETS OR SMOKING ALLOWED ON CAMPUS
NO CAMPING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS