The Black Hills Powwow has become one of the premier American Indian cultural events in the United States, attracting hundreds of dancers, singers, artisans and several thousand spectators from across several U.S. states and Canadian provinces. In addition to the powwow, spectators have the opportunity to enjoy a fine arts show, He Sapa Win pageant, wellness symposium for youth, and tournaments for hand games, softball, golf, and archery

Saturday, October 8

8:00 am – Parade Downtown – Sponsored by Rural America Initiatives, Mniluzahan Okolakiciyapi Ambassadors, Rapid City Regional Health, and the Black Hills Powwow Association. 8:00 line up, 9 am Parade Starts 1st & Main Street (Float Contest)

11:00 – 2:00 – Dancer & Drum Registration

10:00 am – 9:00 pm – Wahinkpe Topa 3-DArchery Shoot – Rushmore Hall North – Rushmore Plaza Civic Center

11:00 am – Doors Open – Main Arena & Fine Arts Venue – LaCroix Hall A&B – Rushmore Plaza Civic Center

11:00 am – 10:00 pm – Fine Arts Avenue

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Hand Game Registration – Rushmore Hall Room A: RC Civic Center

3:30 pm – He Sapa Hanpapecun (Hand Game) Tournament

4:00 pm – Indian Relay – Black Hills Speedway

12:30 pm – Don Barnett Arena – Rushmore Plaza Civic Center

• Session 2
• Veteran’s Grand Entry – All Veterans and Dignitaries Featuring First Peoples Fund’s 2015-16 Community Spirit Award Recipients & The National Endowment for the Arts – Chairwoman Jane Chu
• Flag & Victory Song – Colors Posted
• Dancer Grand Entry (Immediately Following Veteran Grand Entry)
• Intertribals – Singing Contest Continues (2nd Half of Contest Drums)
• Tiny Tots – Sponsored by BHPWA
• Dance Contests – Golden Age, Juniors & Teens (2 Songs)
• Singing Contests Continues • 2016/2017 Miss He Sapa Win
• Black Hills Powwow Crowning Ceremony

5:00 pm

• Jr. Boy’s Traditional Special- Ages 6-12 In memory of Velma Alice Shangreau/ Wheeler C’anpa Is’ta Win Sponsored by Family and Friends
• Black Hills Fashion Expo – 5pm & 9pm

6:00 pm – Supper Break

6:30 pm – 7:00 pm

• Session 3
• Veteran’s Grand Entry – All Veterans and Dignitaries
• Flag & Victory Song – Colors Posted • Welcome by Dew Bad Warrior – BHPWA Vice President
• Featuring South Dakota Coalition Ending Domestic & Sexual Violence “Silent Witnesses”
• Dancer Grand Entry (Immediately Following Veteran Grand Entry)
• Intertribals
• Tiny tots – Sponsored by the BHPWA
• Dance Contests – Junior Adults, Senior Adults (2 Songs)
• Singing Contests Continues
• Retire Colors