Performers dance on Saturday night during the 45th annual Time Out Wacipi. Photo by Nicholas Nelson/The Dakota Student.

The UND Indian Association kicked off its 45th annual Time Out Wacipi on Friday. The Hyslop Sports Center played host to hundreds of dancers and spectators to take part in the traditional event.

A Wacipi (wah-chee-pee) is defined as a Native American cultural celebration where the generations gather to dance. The word itself is from the Dakota language, and means “they dance.”

This year’s Time Out Week theme was “Telling Our Stories,” and this past weekend was full of stories told through traditional song and dance at the annual gathering.

Along with resounding drum beats and excited chatter, the event began with a welcome by UND President Robert Kelley. He and three other faculty members were honored for their involvement, receiving gifts and taking a part in the Grand Entry.

A Grand Entry is traditional of a Wacipi and is an organized procession beginning with veterans carrying an Eagle Feather Staff, including national, state, tribal and veteran’s flags.

The leaders were followed by visiting dignitaries and royalty; dancers followed lining up by category.

Contest categories were broken up by gender and age group, from “Tiny Tots” (0-5), all the way up to “Golden Age” (60+). Within the age categories are different styles of dances.

A spiral of colors from the various regalia worn by the dancers moved to the beat of traditional music played by Young Buffalo Horse. The procession remained continuous until every member joined in.

The stuffy heat of the Hyslop did nothing to slow down the high energy performances of the evening. Hundreds of dancers took the floor in full dress, colorfully clad in regalia made from feathers, beads, jingling tin cones and fabrics of many textures and embellishments.

Aside from the action going on in the center of the Hyslop, attendees were able to browse a line of merchandise stands that bordered the performance floor. Native American clothing, jewelry and other crafts were for sale along with a food vendor where fry bread tacos could be purchased and enjoyed.

Friday marked just the beginning of the weekend-long Wacipi, which included singing and dancing, as well as a traditional feast. Dancers of all ages competed in different categories. Knowledge and skill of moves, ability to keep time with the drum and traditional clothing were evaluated to determine each winner. Prizes were awarded Sunday.

Serianna Henkel is a staff writer for The Dakota Student. She can be reached at [email protected].