West River Eagle

All Chiefs Wacipi rooted in traditions, remembrance, and honor



True to the spirit and strength of the west end communities, the 21st Annual Naca Wica Yuonihan Hanpi Wacipi All Chiefs Powwow, took place over the weekend in Cherry Creek, despite the heavy snowfall, white-out road conditions, and below-freezing temperatures.

The traditional wacipi was filled with exhibition dancing, honorings, giveaways, dance specials and remembrance.

Black and white photos of past chiefs were displayed with the names and bands of each chief. Throughout the wacipi, many parents brought their children to look at the photos, talking to them about the importance of naca’s, and even telling their young ones how they are descended from the chiefs.

Remembrance was an importance theme throughout the event, with families sponsoring specials and honorings for their loved ones who journeyed on. The Makes Room For Them family sponsored a jingle dress special in memory of their late daughter, Kelsey. An honor song was performed for Kelsey, and many people came to shake hands and dance with the family.

Language preservation was also an important topic of discussion. Former Lakota language teacher and naca Harry Little Thunder spoke after an honor song was performed for his ancestor, Chief Little Thunder. Harry spoke about the challenges of preserving and teaching the Lakota language in today’s society.

“Teaching used to be done the natural way- learning from elders and family while it was spoken at home. Today we are teaching the unnatural way, the wasicu way. Speaking it at home is important if we want to preserve our language,” said Little Thunder.

Remi Bald Eagle was presented with a chief’s blanket from his tiwahe in recognition of his numerous leadership roles within his family, band, and as tokala. An honor song was performed for Bald Eagle as people shook his hand. Afterwards, a naca song was performed and Bald Eagle led a dance, followed by his family, and numerous supporters.

“It is important that remember and recognize our leaders and naca’s. It is important for our young ones to see leaders like Remi,” said MC Vernell Sitting Crow.

Dinner was served later on in the day with various types of stews, chicken, and salads. Cakes were also presented from families who wished to recognize the naca’s within their families.

Dance exhibitions and more specials followed the meal. The event ended with a traditional buffalo dance and prayer, which was sponsored in memory of the late and renown buffalo dancer Henry Cane.

Sitting Crow announced that no recordings were allowed, as the dance and prayer were sacred. He instructed all the children to form a circle in the middle of the dance floor, followed by women forming a circle around the children, and lastly, the men formed a protective circle around the entire group.

A song commenced with men dancing clockwise in a circle, women dancing counter clockwise, and children dancing clockwise. Sitting Crow spoke of the dance’s meaning and prayed for the health and healing of all children, women, and men. After the song ended, everyone shook hands and hugged one another. It was a wonderful ending to a wonderful event.

 

Sylvester Waloke holds the wapaha of the late Olney Runs After as it smudged by Dino Waloke. Marilyn Runs After honored and remembered her late father-in-law, Olney, by presenting his wapaha for the prayer. Photo by Alaina Beautiful Bald Eagle

Traditional dancer Elaine Widow dances in the Kelsey Makes Room For Them jingle dress special. Widow danced in both the jingle and traditional categories, changing outfits for both. Photo by Alaina Beautiful Bald Eagle

Harry Little Thunder talks about the importance of language preservation and speaking Lakota to young generation. He is flanked by his sons, Brice and Keith Little Thunder. Photo by Alaina Beautiful Bald Eagle

Mandy Blue Coat and Hope Shorty happily dance and socialize during an intertribal. Hope was later presented with a beautiful coat from the family of Kelsey Makes Room For Them. Photo by Alaina Beautiful Bald Eagle

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