Celebrating community and gratitude at He Sapa Wacipi
This month, Tanka Fund returned to the He Sapa Wacipi (Black Hills Powwow) in Rapid City, SD, the same place where we launched our mission 11 years ago.
We were honored to connect with so many people at our booth — from longtime supporters and new friends to familiar faces like Jana Schmieding (a.k.a. Bev from Reservation Dogs) and our rancher partners Alex and Wayne Frederick. We also gave away Tanka Fund merch, including three Infinity Journey of the Buffalo blankets, always a crowd favorite.
In the photo on the left is Jana Schmieding with Tanka Fund Executive Director Dawn Sherman. Pictured on the right are Wayne Frederick speaking with Lisa Ansell Frazier and Katrina Vermillion of the Buffalo Youth Nation Project.
This year’s powwow drew more than 1,800 dancers and continues to grow as one of the largest powwows in the nation. The arena was a sea of color, sound, and motion: strong drum, powerful steps, and an unforgettable Saturday Night showcase, where the Men’s Woodland category took the win.
The word powwow comes from the Algonquian term pau wau, meaning “spiritual healer” or “sacred gathering.” Over time, it was misused by Europeans to describe any Native gathering, but Native communities reclaimed and redefined it. Today, powwows stand as intertribal celebrations of identity, song, and connection that continue despite generations of suppression.
That connection still runs deep. Our staff recall the Buffalo dances of the Hopi, the laughter of the aunties, and the energy that fills the arena — reminders that these gatherings are more than events. They’re living expressions of resilience and joy.
🦬 Wóphila tȟáŋka — a heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared stories, and carried forward the spirit of the Buffalo.
