A traditional Lakota (Sioux) powwow helps Native American children, like those at St. Joseph's Indian School, share their culture, heritage and traditions with friends like you from around the nation.

Since 1976, St. Joseph's Indian School has hosted an annual weekend of Lakota culture on our Chamberlain, South Dakota campus.

Visitors are welcomed and encouraged to attend many or all of our powwow activities.

Guests enjoy free Native American cultural activities like:

- A thiyóšpaye — extended family — banquet on Friday night
- Tours of St. Joseph's campus, school and the children's homes
- An all day powwow dance competition for Lakota children of all ages
- Equine Therapy Center Tour – Meet the Horses
- Traditional Lakota (Sioux) meals
- And much, much more!!

48th Annual Powwow Schedule of Events:

Thursday, September 19, 2024
8:00 am – 4:30 pm: Guest Registration required only once at arrival (Nagel Business Office)
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Powwow Kick-off Program and Hors d’oeuvres – Hear insight into our various programs. (Rec Center)

Friday, September 20, 2024
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Guest Registration for new arrivals (Nagel Business Office)
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Self-tour Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel at your convenience
8:00 am – 2:00 pm: Food Truck (Wisdom Circle)
9:15 am – 11:30 am: Cultural Activities (Rec Center and Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center)
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Equine Therapy Center Open House
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: School and Health Center Open House
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm: Cultural Performance (Rec Center)
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Thiyo?špaye Banquet (Arrowwood Resort)

Saturday, September 21, 2024
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Self-tour Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel at your convenience
8:30 am – 11:00 am: Guest Registration for new arrivals (Nagel Business Office)
9:00 am – 11:00 am: Homes and Chapel Open House
11:30 am: Grass Flattening/Powwow Grounds Blessing
Noon: Grand Entry and Powwow
5:00 pm: Mass at Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel
5:30 pm: Complimentary Meal (Picnic Pavilion) Powwow prizes awarded after meal.

Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket. Seating is limited; if you are able, please bring lawn chairs or blankets.

No Pets Or Smoking Allowed On Campus
No Camping On School Grounds

Click here to register

Date: September 19-21, 2024

Location: St. Joseph's Indian School, 1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD 57325

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