Black Hills Pow-Wow

BLACK HILLS POW-WOW -- (Senate - October 05, 2005)

Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, it is my distinct pleasure to take this opportunity to inform my colleagues in the U.S. Senate about a special event taking place in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. In Rapid City, on October 7 through October 9, the 19th Annual He Sapa Wacipi and Fine Art Show, otherwise known as the Black Hills Pow-Wow, will be held. Hundreds of dancers from throughout the Northern Plains and Canada will celebrate, compete, and engage in fellowship.

It is also a time of coming together and enjoying the fine art and authentic handmade crafts of many gifted artisans. There will also be contemporary indigenous music and handgame tournaments, which have become quite popular with the Native youth in our State. This year, for the first time, educators and officials with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, will be in attendance with exhibits and presentations that will help foster the possibilities of careers in space and technology for South Dakota youth.

The Tribes of the Great Sioux Nation are a uniquely family-oriented culture that has always placed great emphasis and importance on relationships with family and friends. Worthy of note, is the Indian way of life that means when you walk into their home, you never leave hungry. Their hospitality is legendary. They are kind and generous and will give from the bottom of their hearts. They embrace their spirituality as a part of who they are and they respect and honor their Creator.

Their desire to continue their language and traditions is very dear to their hearts. For many years, the language of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota was in danger of being lost. But in the last 30 to 40 years, it has begun to flourish and is being restored, thanks to those educators, elders and all who recognize its beauty and significance in our time. The coming generations will be a testimony of the importance of this legacy.

I would like to take this opportunity to give special recognition to the He Sapa Wacipi Pow-Wow Association and all the volunteers who selflessly give of their time and effort to bring this event together every year. It is a lot of work, but the end result is a spectacle of beauty and pageantry every year. They can be very proud of all their efforts and I officially acknowledge and honor them for their dedication.

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