Wadopana Celebration Returns To Wolf Point
Organizers Julie Christian and Leslie Berge hosted the first Wadopana Celebration in Wolf Point since 2019 over three days August 5-7, with a camping day opening the festivities August 4, Christian told the Northern Plains Independent that the 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic. The 2021 event was canceled due to the death of longtime organizer Sandra Lilley. A memorial breakfast was hosted Saturday in Lilley’s honor.
The celebration in Wolf Point is a traditional event, with no judging or individual prize money, Donations are distributed by age group and divided by the number of dancers is each category.
The categories this year included tiny tots, teen boys and girls, men and women and golden age. Flag bearers were Darrell Ricker and Lance FourStar. Imogene Lilley was head woman dancer. She was joined by princess Riley Smith, junior princess Renee Smith and mini-princess Arielynn Moran.
Christian said the announcer role was filled by Joe Miller Jr., Marty Reum and Nakoa HeavyRunner.
Grand entries were held twice daily. Other dances and activities included youth games, a potato dance, various birthday dances and intertribals, a youth pow-wow, flag raising ceremonies, a fun run/walk and a candlelight vigil on Saturday night.
A community feed was hosted during camping day Thursday, with celebration committee members bringing individual dishes potluck style.
Drums included Western Dakota, Battle Crew and the Archie Bear Cub crew.
“It was wonderful,” said Christian, “we had good crews.”
Christian said attendance was at or near pre-pandemic levels, with good crowds and plenty of dancers.
For information about next year’s celebration, contact Christian at 406-650-8724 or Berge at 406-650-0636.
