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Time Out Wacipi

Time Out Week and the Wacipi powwow is a celebration of Indigenous peoples and culture. 

The week consists of demonstrations, performances, art, music, dance, dress, presentations, and so much more. We also celebrate our graduates for their accomplishments. 

A powwow is considered a celebration of life. It is called Wacipi (wah-chee-pee) in the Lakota/Dakota language and Ni-mi-win in Anishinabe (Chippewa/Ojibwa) language. This celebration is a time when people of all ages can gather together, to sing, dance, renew old friendships, make new friends, and share the beauty of life.

Traditional Meal

A free traditional meal is provided to honor performers, staff, and public on Saturday, April 9 at 5 p.m. sponsored by the UND Alumni Foundation.

Head Staff 2022

  • Host Drum: Midnite Express
  • Emcee: Daniel Henry and Charles Moran
  • Arena Director: Rusty Gillette
  • Sound: Hokka Sounda, Dale Roberts
  • Honor Guard: Indigenous Men and Women
  • Head Woman Dancer: Bryann Rainbow
  • Head Man Dancer: Zane Baker

2022 Sponsors

  • UND Student Diversity & Inclusion
  • Tribal Council Representatives from Spirit Lake Nation
  • Tribal Council Representatives from the Three Affiliated Tribes / MHA Nation
  • Tribal Council Representatives from Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
  • UND Alumni Foundation 
  • UND Indian Association 
  • Greater Grand Forks Visitors Bureau

Specials

  • Women's (18+): Traditional, Jingle, Fancy
    1st - $500 | 2nd - $400 | 3rd - $250
  • Men's (18+): Traditional, Fancy, Chicken Dance
    1st - $500 | 2nd - $400 | 3rd - $250
  • Golden Women
    1st - $500 | 2nd - $400 | 3rd - $250
  • Golden Men
    1st - $500 | 2nd - $400 | 3rd - $250
  • Teen Girls
    1st - $300 | 2nd - $200 | 3rd - $100
  • Teen Boys
    1st - $300 | 2nd - $200 | 3rd - $100
  • Singing Contest
    1st - $3,000 | 2nd - $2,000 | 3rd - $1,000
  • Drum Split: $15,000
    Drum split for the first 15 drum groups with a completed registration
    (registration onsite beginning on Friday, April 8 at 4 p.m.)

Vendors

Call Keith Malaterre at 701.777.6175 to reserve

Volunteer

We are looking for volunteers to help out at the powwow.

Volunteer Sign-up

Time Out Wacipi Video Series 

President's Message

Historical Perspective

Cultural Aspects

Thundering Bear Group 

About Time Out Week 

Going to your first powwow? Here are some things you should know. 

A powwow is a celebration of life. It is a time for people of all ages to gather, sing, dance, see old friends and make new friends. Specific to the Northern Plains region, it is called a Wacipi (WAH-CHEE-PEE) in Lakota/Dakota and Nimiwin (NIM-MEE-WIN) in Anishnaube/Ojibway.

There are two different types of powwow, traditional powwows and contest powwows. A contest powwow incorporates the intent of a traditional powwow into a competition of singing and dancing for money.

All are welcome to attend the powwow and we are looking forward to seeing you there! Many people enjoy observing the Grand Entry.

Intertribal songs are open for anyone to dance. You can visit vendors and concessions. 

Feel free to ask questions throughout your time at the powwow. The powwow committee is there to help make the event an enjoying learning experience for all!

The Grand Entry is the procession of the participates into the dancing area, led by military veterans and honored guests, followed by dancers dressed in their regalia.

The dancers' outfits are called regalia. Depending on tribal affiliation, dance category and personal preference, the design and accessories in the individual's regalia can vary greatly.

Divided into groups according to age, there are six basic dance categories. The men's categories include Traditional, Grass and Fancy. The women's categories include Traditional, Jingle Dress and Fancy Shawl.

Please ask permission prior to photographing or touching individuals and their regalia.

The drum is considered sacred and is designated to specific drum group members. Please do not touch the drums.

If you are able, please stand during times of prayer, Grand Entry, flag/honor songs and Posting of the Colors. The powwow committee will signal when appropriate to stand.

Student Diversity & Inclusion 
Memorial Union 201
2901 University Ave 
Grand Forks, ND 58202
UND.studentdiversity@UND.edu
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