Hundreds of dancers and singers, as well as thousands of visitors, participate in the Black Hills Pow Wow in mid-October. The Lakota gathering has been held annually for nearly 35 years. Honoring the history of the Lakota and the He Sapa — the Black Hills — the powwow shares Native American heritage with visitors. The Black Hills are sacred to the Sioux Nation, who consider them the beginning of life. Dancing in a powwow there is special to participants.

The Black Hills Powwow or He Sapa Wacipi is a preeminent, three-day Black Hills event complete with Native American singing, dancing, drum groups, art show, hand games, athletic competitions and a variety of other events. Over the decades, 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 thousands of spectators from across North America.

If you’ve never been to an authentic powwow before, visit the Black Hills and Badlands Visitor Association website for etiquette tips and advice collected from the Alliance of Tribal Tourism Advocates.