SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — Native Americans Day is Monday and organizations from across the state are getting ready to celebrate in style.
South Dakota was the first state to officially celebrate Native Americans Day on the second Monday in October annually. In 1989, Governor George Mickelson proposed that South Dakota change the holiday to Native Americans Day. The legislature made it law in 1990.
Here is a rundown of different events across the state, celebrating Native Americans Day.
Sioux Falls Native Americans Day Parade and Social Wacipi
The 7th Annual Sioux Falls Native Americans Day Parade will be on Monday, October 14, the celebration will kick off at 9 a.m. with a prayer session in Lyon Park, followed by a fun run at 10:45 a.m. to 13th street and Philips avenue with the parade stating there shortly after at 11 a.m. followed by a feed at noon at the multicultural center followed by a Social Wacipi and Calling of the Dancers at 1 p.m. at Falls Park.
KELOLAND News will livestream the parade from Downtown Sioux Falls at 11 a.m. Monday.
Parade Chair, Char Green-Maximo, said its a day to celebrate the past and future of native people.
“To hear the drums, or to hear the songs, and to see the dancers in their regalia and things like that, its a day to learn and just to celebrate the history of native people also where we are today,” Green-Maximo said. “Its also a day to show yes we are still here we are still living people a part of the community.”
Char said that seven generations is the theme of this year and the seven directions are scared numbers for native people
Green-Maximo said its a way to bring they closer as a community.
“Its been growing and its been beautiful to see so its been a big reflection moment for us, what are our next steps and how can we be supporting our community more, how do we take the initiative we have for this one day and use it throughout the whole year,” Green-Maximo said.
For those that cant make it in person the parade will be live-streamed
Indigenous People’s Day Parade in Rapid City
Indigenous Peoples Day with a parade on October 12, 2024. The parade will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30p.m.
The Parade will begin in the parking lot at 3rd and St. Joseph Streets.
Crazy Horse Memorial Native Americans Day
Crazy Horse Memorial will host a day-long celebration with a native Americans Day program from 10a.m. to 11a.m. with keynote speaker NBA Award Winner Shawn Martinez and a dance performance from Starr Chief Eagle and featuring the Stampede Drum Group as singers.
During the program they will announce the Crazy Horse Memorial Educator of the Year Award, the award includes a $1,000 grant to the recipient’s school library or to programs of his or her choice that help indigenous students.
Native Pride Productions will host two. 45-minute performances featuring champion dancers from throughout the United States they will host their performances at 12:30p.m. and 2:30p.m. They will also host Crafts & Storytelling from 11a.m. to 4p.m.
51st annual USD Wacipi
USD will be hosting their 51st Wacipi on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13. They will be in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center on Saturday morning with doors opening at 10 a.m. The main Wacipi event starts at 11 a.m. and runs until midnight. The grand entry will begin at 1 p.m. They will host Native dancers, drummers and competitions from across the state and region.
Sundays Wacipi runs from 10a.m. to 5p.m. with the grand entry at 1 p.m.
36th annual Rapid City Pow Wow
The Summit Arena at the Monument will host the 36th annual Rapid City Pow Wow which will run October 11, 12, & 13, 2024. The event will host thousands of dancers, singers, artisans, they will also host a fine arts show, He Sapa Win pageant, style show, vendors, wellness symposium for youth, and tournaments for hand games, golf, and archery.
