BHCH hosted a Summer Wacipi (powwow) on Saturday, June 22, the first powwow held on the Rockerville campus since before Covid.

This joyous celebration of Indigenous culture and tradition featured Master of Ceremonies Whitney Rencountre, the Stampede Drum Group, Hoop Dancer Starr Chief Eagle, Lead Dancers Sabrina Pourier and Coleman Eagle Elk, Fancy Dancer nine-year-old Mikey Moreno and CHS children and staff. Dino Holy Eagle, flag bearer and veteran, led the grand entry procession. Attendees also included families, CPS and DSS workers, CASA volunteers and more than 20 CHS staff members who chose to volunteer. The event was not open to the public to preserve confidentiality.

Board members John Rozell and his wife Kay, Eric Lee and his wife Terri, Darla Crown and her husband Doug, LaFawn Janis and her son Greyson and Amy Koenig and her children Mason and Ellie were in attendance. Sioux Falls-based staff Michelle Lavallee, Deanna Larson, Erica Krohn and Jon Mammenga also attended.

The children began their day participating in Indigenous craft stations, including ledger art, star quilt making, winter count and turtle painting, and playing with giant bubbles. The lunch of Indigenous tacos was served by Hangry Buffalo and children and adults alike enjoyed sno-cones for dessert.

In preparation for this event, children and staff participated in Tuesday evening Indigenous Cultural Immersion Sessions. These included a Buffalo Box Presentation by Marie High Bear, a Lakota Language Session and a Stampede Drum Group session in which participants learned about dancing to bless the land.

The committee that planned this event included Jonni Hertel and her daughter Whitney, Jeremiah Moreno, Lafawn Janis, Freddy Maseman, Theresa Schreiner, Kara Flynn and Abby Sharp. Theresa was honored with the gift of a star quilt in recognition of her tremendous efforts in organizing the Summer Wacipi and Tuesday night learning sessions.

We would like to extend our appreciation to Jerry Bamsey, Greg Carbone and David Goodrich of the Facilities staff for their hard work in preparing the grounds and shuttling guests. Thanks also to residential staff for their work in preparing the children for and guiding them through a successful event.