Time Out Week to feature Sam McCracken visit, annual Wacipi
Celebration will culminate with UND’s 53rd annual Time Out Wacipi Powwow, April 25-26 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks
All are invited to join the University’s Indigenous Student Center in celebrating Time Out Week — an annual, springtime observance of Indigenous cultural traditions, values and contributions to the community and region.
The week will culminate with UND’s 53rd annual Time Out Wacipi Powwow on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. Both days of the event are free and open to the public, including a traditional feed starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
A powwow is considered a celebration of life. It is called Wacipi (wah-chee-pee) in the Lakota/Dakota language and Ni-mi-win in Anishinabe (Chippewa/Ojibwa) language. The celebration is a time when people of all ages can gather to sing, dance, renew old friendships, make new friends and share the beauty of life.
On Tuesday, April 22, UND will be hosting a visit by Sam McCracken, a longtime business leader for Nike and its N7 programs.
McCracken became the Manager of Nike’s Native American Business in 2000 and led the development of the Nike Air Native N7 shoe, the N7 retail collection and the N7 Fund, which supports access to sport, economic empowerment, education innovation and social justice for Native American and Indigenous communities in the United States and Canada. He has been recognized through several prestigious award nominations for his passion and work.
The fireside Q&A-style chat, hosted by Amy Henley, dean of the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, will be held in the Nistler College’s Barry Auditorium starting at 2 p.m., sponsored by the Indigenous Student Center and the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. All are invited to attend.
On Friday, prior to the Wacipi, a new exhibition will open in the Memorial Union Gallery titled, “Plain of Stars.” The exhibition — curated to uplift, acknowledge and celebrate UND’s Indigenous students — features a vibrant collection of contemporary Indigenous artwork purchased in partnership with UND Student Government for the University’s permanent art collections. A reception will be held from 3 to 5 p.m.
Wacipi Schedule
Friday, April 25
- 7 p.m. – Grand Entry
Saturday, April 26
- 1 p.m. – Grand Entry
- 5 p.m. – Traditional feed to honor performers, staff and public
- 7 p.m. – Grand Entry
More information on the powwow, including a list of questions and answers for visitors, is available on the event’s website.
