Sundance — Wiwáŋyaŋg Wačhípi | Zintkala Wakan Hoyapi

Coming Home to Pray

You are welcome here

Sundance is not a performance or a festival — it is ceremony. Relatives come not as spectators but as supporters: to hold prayer for the dancers, to help the camp, and to renew their place within the circle of the people. All singers and Sun Dancers are welcome. Whether you have stood at the arbor many times or are coming for the very first time, you are received as family.

This guide covers the practical things — when and where to come, what to pack for four days on the land, and how to carry yourself with respect. The deeper meaning of the ceremony is carried by our spiritual leaders and elders, and is best learned by being present, listening, and following those who guide the camp.

Dancing Under One Sun · One Tree · One Creator

When & Where

Arriving at camp

The Dates

The Sun Dance: July 22–26, 2026
Tree Day & Set-up: arrive the day before if you can help raise the camp
All singers and Sun Dancers are welcome.

The Location

North Allen, South Dakota
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Contact the camp for detailed directions & a meeting point.
Cell service is limited — download directions before you arrive.

When You Arrive

Check in with the camp helpers (akíčhita) first.
They will show you where to set your camp and where to park.
Ask before entering the arbor or any prepared area.
Ask the camp who to find when you arrive.

Come Prepared

What to bring for four days

You will be living on the land for several days, often in summer heat with sudden prairie weather. Come self-sufficient — bring what you need so the camp's resources stay with the dancers and those serving them.

Shelter & Sleeping

Tent (and stakes for wind), or your own shade tarp
Sleeping bag or bedding — nights can be cold
Folding chairs & a sun shade for daytime
Flashlight or headlamp + extra batteries

Food & Water

Plenty of drinking water for yourself
Your own food / a cooler — and food to share if you can
Camp stove or supplies for the communal kitchen
Reusable cup, plate, utensils

Clothing (modest)

Long skirts & a shawl for women; long pants for men (confirm camp protocol)
Layers for hot days and cool nights
Closed-toe shoes; rain jacket
Hat & sunscreen

Personal & Health

Any medications you need
Bug spray, first-aid basics
Towel & toiletries (facilities are simple)
Trash bags — pack out what you pack in

For Prayer & Giving

Tobacco / offerings, if you carry them
Star quilts or gifts for giveaway (optional)
A generous, patient, helping spirit

Please Leave at Home

Alcohol and drugs — the grounds are sacred and sober
Cameras & recording devices for the ceremony
Pets (confirm camp policy)
A hurry — move on ceremony time

Walking in a Good Way

Respect & protocol

These are the ways we keep the ceremony sacred and safe for everyone, especially the dancers who give so much. When in doubt, watch the elders and the akíčhita, and ask.

Honor the Ceremony

No photos, video, or audio of the ceremony or arbor
Silence phones; keep them away from the dance ground
Keep voices low; this is a place of prayer
Do not point or walk across the dance circle

Support the Dancers

The dancers go without food and water for four days
Hold them up with your prayers and presence
Out of respect, be mindful when eating or drinking near the arbor
Offer your help wherever the camp needs hands

A Few Important Notes

Dress modestly throughout the grounds
No women on their moon time (menstrual cycle) on the grounds, out of respect for ceremony
Children are welcome but must be supervised
Follow all guidance from the spiritual leaders & helpers
The camp is not responsible for injury or theft — look after yourself and your belongings

The Rhythm of the Days

What to expect

Every camp keeps its own ways, and the spiritual leaders set the pace. In a general sense, this is how the time unfolds — come with an open, patient heart.

Before

Tree Day & Setting the Camp

The community gathers to prepare the sacred arbor and raise the camp together. Many hands are needed and welcomed — this is a beautiful time to arrive and serve.

Days 1–4

The Dancing

From early morning, the dancers enter the arbor to pray, fasting from food and water through the heat of the day. Supporters hold prayer at the edge of the circle, sing, and keep the camp. The days are long, sacred, and quiet — this is the heart of the ceremony.

Throughout

Inípi & Camp Life

The sweat lodge (inípi), communal meals, and the daily life of the tiyóšpaye carry on around the ceremony. Take part where you are welcomed, rest in the shade, and look after your relatives.

Closing

Wópila — Giving Thanks

The ceremony closes in thanksgiving and feasting (wótapi), often with a giveaway. We honor the dancers, the helpers, and all our relations who carried prayer through the four days.

Learn Before You Come

Wakíŋyaŋ Wóuŋspe

Deepen your understanding of the teachings, the language, and the ways of our people before you arrive. Relatives — especially those coming for the first time — are encouraged to spend time with the Wakíŋyaŋ Wóuŋspe app.

Wakíŋyaŋ Wóuŋspe

A Lakota language learning app — walk the Red Road toward Sundance. Spend time with the words, songs, and teachings of our people before you arrive. Free and open to all relatives on this path.

View the App on GitHub →

The app currently lives on GitHub. Once it’s published to the App Store, Google Play, or a live web link, we’ll point this button there instead.

Before You Travel

Questions? Reach out to the camp

We want every relative to arrive safely and prepared. For dates, directions, lodging, or anything you're unsure of, please get in touch before you make the journey.

North Allen, South Dakota · July 22–26, 2026. For directions, lodging, or questions, reach out before you travel. [ Coordinator phone & email — to add ]