The Minneapolis American Indian Center celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open house and Wacipi in late May.
Wacipi, pronounced wah-chee-pee, means “they dance” in the Dakota language. It presents an opportunity for the community to gather in a celebration of life, family and friendships.
The powwow was a welcome celebration after back-to-back fatal shootings in the area in early May. That led MIAC to turn a planned powwow into a healing ceremony. It also comes a year after the center completed a major renovation, including an updated cafe and kitchen.
Powwow organizers said in a Facebook post that their goal was to honor the American Indian Center’s work centered on “community, culture and resilience” and to also celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
A crowd of about 200 people filled the MIAC gym on May 30, as the powwow opened with a ceremony to accept the gift of a drum.
As the dancers and drummers arrived, they began to prepare for the ceremony. Nathan Redbear donned a wreath of feathers worn on his back. Ho Chunk tribal member Danielle DeLong helped dancer Benjamin Hezazac Adams affix feathers to his hair to accentuate his blue and white regalia.
The celebration, led by head dancer Brian Heart, began with an honor song as dancers started to slowly circle the center of the gym at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Dancers of all ages twirled in a riot of colors as friends and relatives watched from the stands. A chorus of voices rang out from the assembled drum groups. One drum group, the Red Lake Singers, welcomed what they called their “second generation,” the tradition being passed down from the elder generation to a new cohort following in their footsteps.
Following the opening ceremony, wagons loaded with community donations were rolled into the gym by MAIC volunteers. Practical items, like paper towels and other home goods were distributed to the adults, as children ran past, new toys in hand to show off to their parents and friends.
After the donations had been handed out, the master of ceremonies called forth groups of dancers to take the floor and display their skills. Dressed in their intricate regalia, the attire served to accentuate their movements. Long fringes and skirts twisted through the air. Dance sticks, feathers, and other accessories bore significance to the history of each participant. Families danced together, young and old embracing their heritage and community.
After 50 years of serving one of the largest urban native populations in the country, the powwow provided a fitting event to reaffirm the Minneapolis American Indian Center’s efforts.
