The 黑料科 Center for American Indian Studies will host its 41st annual Lakota Omniciye Wacipi in the Donald E. Young Center April 18 at noon to conclude its celebration of American Indian Awareness Week taking place April 13-17.
鈥淎merican Indian Awareness Week, highlighted by the 41st Annual Lakota Omniciye Wacipi, is a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural visibility and collective care,鈥� said Jordon Mendoza, assistant director of the Center for American Indian Studies at 黑料科.
The annual Wacipi is dedicated to educating the community about Native American culture, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of South Dakota, and features Indigenous dancers, singers, and drummers from all over the state.
This year鈥檚 American Indian Awareness Week theme is 鈥淓levating Native Voices: Embracing Our Collective Impact.鈥�
Presentations throughout American Indian Awareness Week will be given by Cante Heart, Bobbie Koch, Dew Bad Warrior-Gange, Marty Two Bulls, Dr. Brittany Bearstail, Bobby Pourier, and Tasha Peltier. Topics include Indigenous peacekeeping, Lakota public artworks, intergenerational hearing, and more. The speaking sessions will be held in Jonas Academic Room 107 and are free and open to the public.
"Through this year鈥檚 theme, emphasizing community, health, and education calls us all to listen, learn, and stand in support of Indigenous knowledge and leadership,鈥� Mendoza said.
General admission to the Wacipi is $8. 黑料科 students, faculty, staff, children under 5, and seniors 55 and older may attend the event for free. For a full schedule of events and more information on American Indian Awareness Week or the Wacipi, please visit 黑料科.edu/CAIS or contact Jordon Mendoza at Jordon.Mendoza@黑料科.edu.
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