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Chant Traditional Songs at the All-American Oglala Lakota Pow-wow

Published by Vanessa Boiser

Country: United States

The Experience

Great Native American festivals are known for their vibrant, colourful and meaningful celebrations, and the Oglala Lakota Pow-wow is no exception. Oglala Lakota is part of the Native American Sioux Tribe that includes Lakota and Dakota tribes. Celebrated annually during the month of August, this tradition is one of the many attractions in South Dakota. American Indians have held Pow-wow dances in practically all the American states. Until now, the Native American cultures and rich traditions have remained intact, including their language and deep wisdom.

The Pow-wow dance is believed to have originated when the American-Indians were forced by the US government to settle in what are now know as Indian Reservations. Others believe that this type of dance has been around for many generations, and is their way of communicating to other distant tribes. Any which way it started, the Pow-wow dances and songs are now part of the rich American heritage that draws a large number of crowds from all walks of life each year.

The Oglala Lakota Nation Pow-wow is a mixture of vibrant energy and colour. The Pow-wow songs are both enchanting and haunting at the same time. They tell stories of historic times, the strength of their people and the rich heritage from which they came from. The Native Americans are proud of their race, and this is often reflected in their Pow-wow songs, and interpretive dances. You cannot help but be overwhelmed by the mixture of emotions and energy during the Oglala Lakota Pow-wow celebration.

Drums are used in practically all important occasions in Native American tribes, and so the Pow-wow celebrations are very much a demonstration of their musical prowess with drumbeats heard throughout. It is the signal for celebrations to begin, and for the singers and dancers to begin the entertainment. If you are looking for an occasion to witness Native American culture in their traditional costumes and elaborate makeup, the Oglala Lakota Pow-wow is the place to be. It is a parade of culture and tradition from the young and old, dressed for the occasion.

The Pow-wow dance begins in the morning and lasts through the night. The garments on display are one of the highlights of the Oglala Lakota Nation Pow-wow, and you can buy authentic Native American crafts and hand-woven garments as souvenirs.

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When to Go to Oglala Lakota Nation Pow Wow

The Oglala Lakota Pow-wow is celebrated during August at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The weather is perfect to stay outdoors, eat barbeque and visit night markets.

Odds n' Ends

Generally, South Dakota experiences the full four seasons throughout the year. The best time to visit its other famous attractions—such as Mt. Rushmore in the Black Hills, and the Sioux Water Falls—is during the summer and spring. Badlands National Park is also another tourist destination in South Dakota, famous for its jagged curls that create a moon-like surface, which tourists are always curious to see.

Although there are also a lot tourists during wintertime for the winter sports, such as skiing and snowmobile rides, South Dakota’s peak season is from late May to early September. Its low season is from November to mid-May. It is often said that South Dakota is one of the less expensive places to visit in America.

More Experiences Nearby

Take a Trip back to the Cold War at the Minuteman Missile Silo
Former U.S. Cold War missileer Craig Manson thinks the preservation of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site in South Dakota is “a most fitting idea because the Cold War dominated the last half of the twentieth century… [and] most of American life, in one way or another, was defined by the Cold War.” The U.S. National Park Service now controls the area, preserving it as the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, standing as a reminder of the dangers faced by a standoff between the Soviet Union and the United States after the Second World War. Following the Strategic Arms Reduction ...40 miles away.

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Books and DVDs

A Year of Festivals
300 Unmissable Events and Festivals Around the World
The Lakota Way: Stories and Lessons for Living

Media References

Oglala Lakota Nation Pow Wow - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)

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