Wadopana Hosts Nakona University Honoring
The annual Wadopana Celebration was held in Wolf Point at the powwow grounds behind the Sherman Inn Aug. 1-3. Wadopana is a traditional powwow, originally called an “omaha.”
Nakona University held a ceremony recognizing 2024 and 2025 graduates at the celebration Saturday afternoon. Wolf Point City Councilman Lance Fourstar officiated the graduation ceremony and was the speaker for the honoring.
“It was an absolute honor to facilitate the Nakona University 2025 graduation,” FourStar told the Northern Plains Independent, “Thank you, Dr. Crystal Redgrave, for the beautiful star quilt and the honor of presenting the graduates with this recognition.”
The Wadopana Celebration Committee held a community feed Thursday night, feeding more than 350 community members.
Grand entries were held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with presentations of the celebration’s eagle staff, carried by head man dancer, Cody Eagleman. The eagle staff was followed by flag bearers carrying the American, Canadian, Montana State, Fort Peck Tribal and the Prisoner of War flags. There were five grand entries in total.
A number of specials were held with dancers in all men and women categories; golden age, adult, teen, juniors and tiny tots, paid out equally throughout the weekend at each session.
Roger White Jr. was master of ceremonies, announcing for the weekend with arena director Justin “Chicken Little” White running the show on the arena floor. Head woman dancer was Ethelyn Moccasin.
