St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Powwow Makes a Joyous Return

Posted on: September 19, 2022

On September 17, 2022, St. Joseph’s Indian School hosted its 46^th Annual Wačhípi (Powwow). The event was the first public wačhípi since the start of the pandemic. Seven drum groups participated, including the school’s own Pahá Makȟásaŋ Lowáŋpi – the Chalk Hills Singers. Close to 400 of the school’s benefactors from around the globe were on hand for the celebration.

Jubilant is the word that best describes the celebration of connections to tradition, spirituality, Uŋčí Makhá (Grandmother Earth) and all humanity. Moreover, it was an experience of the students’ culture, which St. Joseph’s Indian School dedicates itself to supporting. Nearly 100 St. Joseph’s students danced in the event, which drew 49 additional youth from the surrounding area to commpete.

Adding to the joyous nature of the wačhípi was a record attendance of 79 of the school’s alums who came to campus for the celebration. The school celebrated their presence with drawings for star quilts and other prizes.

Powwow dance competition results:

Jr. Boys Categories
Traditional	Fancy	Grass
1. Blaze LaRoche	Caden Lopez	Brayden Thunder Shield
2. Xavier Sevier	Traevin Roubideaux	Chantz Middletent
3. Romeo Roubideaux	Gunner Big Crow	Jayden Munoz
4. Patrick Big Eagle	Misun Monje	Tysin Cournoyer
5. Lucien Gilette		Victor Peneaux
6. Zane Bianas		Jacob Standing Bear

Jr. Girls Categories
Traditional	Fancy	Jingle
1. Josephine Sazue	Aleigha LaRoche	Maribella Archambeau
2. Americka American Horse	Crystal Franklin	Avayah Skunk
3. Secret Loudner	Persayis Swift Hawk	Alexavia Taken Alive
4. Emilee Black Spotted Horse	Marlena Blaine	Adrianna McCauley
5. Say’Dee Summers	Kayleigha Carpenter	Antonia Black Moon
6. Dallas Hanson	Sophia Yellow Earrings	Angel Stead

Teen Boys Categories
Traditional	Fancy	Grass
1. Syrus Butzin	Oyate Monje	Memphis Joseph
2. John Estes
3. Jaxon End of Horn

Teen Girls Categories
Traditional	Fancy	Jingle
1. Clarysia Cooke	Jalonna Eagle	Tina Shields
2. Louan Makes Room for Them	Sherrilynn Wise Spirit	Angelina Roubideaux
3. Emilia Provancial	Gabriela Blacksmith	Aubrea Charger

The wačhípi is an annual event, free and open to the public with handicap accessibility. For more information and a schedule of events for next year’s wačhípi, please contact St. Joseph’s Indian School at 605-234-3313 or visit www.stjo.org/powwow.