2025 Summer Wacipi at BHCH

The 2025 Summer Wacipi (powwow) at BHCH was a vibrant celebration of culture and community. Last month, children, staff, CHS and CHF Board members and special guests from the Rapid City Area School District (RCAS)—including incoming Superintendent Dr. Tammi Jo Thompson—all gathered at the Rockerville campus to experience a beautiful cultural celebration.

The day kicked off with an opening prayer, followed by a warm welcome and introductions from Emcee Whitney Rencountre. He shared insight into the meaning behind each dance and explained the cultural significance of various powwow traditions. Once he was finished, the drum group began playing, signaling that the festivities were starting, and dancers entered the ring.

Spectators were able to participate in a few dances like the friendship circle and the potato dance. But a truly special moment was when a Lincoln School student performed a grass dance. He was so excited for the powwow that he even brought all of his regalia to school in anticipation of dancing.

Holding the event on a Wednesday allowed residential and school staff—including the Lincoln School team—to attend. With more staff present, the Wacipi saw its biggest turnout of kids yet.

“This would never have happened without help from everyone,” said Vice President of Development Kara Flynn. “It truly was a collaborative effort between school, residential, facilities and the foundation.”

Thanks to the support of BHCH Facilities Supervisor Jerry Bamsey and his team, the campus grounds looked beautiful and ready for the day. Food Service Coordinator Lakota Carbone and the entire kitchen staff served up a mouthwatering feast of Indigenous foods—including fry bread and Indian tacos—which everyone enjoyed during the picnic that followed.

Several staff members helped bring the celebration to life, including BH Residential Program Director Freddy Maseman, Director of Schools Mike Groher, Kara and Jonni Hertel. Jonni, a teacher at South Middle School in Rapid City, went above and beyond. Not only did she help organize the performers, but she also brought fry bread and wojapi—traditional Lakota berry dish—for everyone to enjoy. She also made ribbon skirts and shirts for the children, which will be used again in the future.

 Assistant Director of Development Andrew Hewitt, shows one of the ribbon shirts that Jonni Hertel made.  

“We wouldn’t be here today without the work of Jonni Hertel,” said Kara. “She is a wonderful community partner, and we cannot thank her enough.”

A special moment came when Jonni presented a token of gratitude to Children’s Home Foundation Board Member Val Mickelson and her son, Max, in honor of the late Governor George Mickelson. In 1990, Governor Mickelson helped establish Native American Day in South Dakota.

In attendance were royalty from the Rapid City Area Schools Wacipi—Junior Miss, Little Miss and Mini Miss—who graced the powwow with their presence and brought high energy to the dances. Junior Miss Layla Bear Saves Life, and her family generously brought extra jingle dresses so more children could take part in the experience.

This little girl was all smiles in a pink jingle dress. Junior Miss Rapid City Area Schools Wacipi Layla Bear Saves Life and her family generously brought extra jingle dresses for the children to use during the powwow. 

One unforgettable moment involved a young boy, who was mesmerized by the drum circle. He quietly sat down next to drum group leader Jeremiah Moreno. Jeremiah handed him a drumstick, and the boy stayed by his side the entire time, proudly keeping rhythm throughout the whole performance.

This year’s Wacipi wasn’t just a celebration—it was a day full of culture, connection and unforgettable memories. We are beyond grateful to everyone who helped make it happen. Below are a few more pictures from the day.

The potato dance was a huge hit at this year’s Wacipi. Children and adults joined in on the fun, by trying to keep a potato in between their foreheads while they moved around.

After only dropping the potato a few times, Freddy and Mike are now potato dancer professionals. 

Left to right: Mike, Rapid City Area Schools Incoming Superintendent Dr. Tammi Jo Thompson and CHS Board President Jack Marsh all attended last Wednesday’s celebration. 

This young man—dressed in white and green regalia—is a student at the Lincoln School. He was so excited to participate in the grass dance that he brought all of his regalia to school.