The White River Wacipi, an intertribal gathering, returns today and tomorrow to the Arbor at Crawford City Park after taking last year off because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Wacipi includes exhibits, demonstrations, dancing, activities, and a dance contest as well as vendors, food, a day camp, and a campout.
It starts this morning at 10:00 with a tipi raising, then activities and competitions from noon until near the start of a cookout at 5:00 and finally the overnight campout.
Tomorrow is highlighted by dancing and dance contests with registration starting at 10:00 and dancing at noon. There’s more dancing tomorrow night at 6:30 following a 5:00 dinner break.
The Wacipi or pow wow was an annual celebration where America’s First People would gather together to sing, dance, and hold religious and spiritual ceremonies.
A Wacipi would often include naming ceremonies and the chance to honor individuals, celebrate life, and giveaways. The organizers of the White River Wacipi are following those traditional values.