A Powwow Like No Other

The 44th Annual St. Joseph’s Indian School Wačhípi will be a powwow like no other. On September 19, the powwow will take place on campus but will not be open to the public. Due to COVID-19 safety regulations, the event will only be viewed by live stream for our families and donors. The students have been practicing since school started and are excited  to have the opportunity to perform in full regalia with their small groups. Although things are different this year, the spirit of dance and celebration will be in full swing. 

A retooled royalty competition set the event in motion on Wednesday, September 9. The evening opened with a prayer followed by a recorded Lakota Flag Song by the student and staff drum group, Chalk Hills Singers. Three young women competed for Miss St. Joe’s, and six for Junior Miss St. Joe’s. Eight energetic young men vied for Eagle Staff Bearer. Contestants submitted written interview questions, introduced themselves in Lakota, demonstrated one dance and answered questions from staff judges. Students not participating in the competition viewed a live stream from their campus homes with their houseparents.

This year’s royalty are Rico Fischer, Miss St. Joe’s, Jalonna Eagle, Jr. Miss St. Joe’s and Jevjuan Dion, Eagle Staff Bearer.