Hoop dancing, Lakota storytelling, and food highlight Native Americans’ Day activities at Wind Cave National Park Monday (Oct. 10, 2022). Join the festivities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the visitor center to enjoy Native American artists and demonstration of living culture.
Activities begin at 10 a.m. with a welcome from Superintendent Leigh Welling, followed by remarks from Dorothy FireCloud, Native American Affairs Liaison for the National Park Service. At 10:30 a.m., artist Kelly Looking Horse will present on his upcoming sculpture, “Cȟaŋgléška-Wakȟaŋ” or “Sacred Hoop,” which is under construction inside the visitor center and will reach over 20 feet high upon completion. At 11 a.m., storyteller Darrell Red Cloud will present on the cultural significance of Wind Cave.
At 1 p.m., the park will host a Hoop Dance performance by Starr Chief Eagle, followed by a participatory demonstration allowing visitors to delve deeper into the dance through hands-on learning.
Throughout the day, Native American artists will be available, allowing visitors to learn about living Native American culture on the northern plains and to purchase art from local artists. A food truck with Native American selections will also be available.
The Native Americans’ Day Celebration demonstrations are free and appropriate for all ages. Funding for this event is provided by the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, a non-profit partner with Wind Cave National Park.
Cave tours will continue to run as regularly scheduled with the first tour leaving at 9 a.m. and the last tour going in at 3 p.m.
For more information, call the park at (605) 745-4600.
Hoop dancing with Starr Chief Eagle is one of the many activities planned at Wind Cave National Park on Native Americans’ Day, October 10, 2022.
Photo Credit: South Dakota Arts Council.
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