2024 marks 26 years that Sioux Valley Dakota Nation has hosted Dakota Nation Winterfest. Once again, it was an event to remember. At it’s core, Dakota Nation Winterfest is an Indigenous Hockey Tournament first and foremost, highlighting indigenous hockey talent of all ages. With 9 hockey divisions (U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, U18, Senior, 40+ & Women’s), there was plenty of hockey action for all to enjoy. Dakota Nation Winterfest hosted many activities aside from Hockey, including Volleyball, 3 on 3 Basketball, Pool, Moccasin Games, Monster BINGO, Square Dancing, Talent Show, and of course our annual Winterfest Wacipi (Pow Wow).
The tournament actually started on Thursday, January 25, with several of the youth hockey brackets beginning. These minor hockey games continued on into Friday, where most of the other activities began. Friday evening kicked of with a “Meet & Greet” with SVDN’s current Chief & Council with several guests and dignitaries on hand, including Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, the Honourable Glen Simard, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, Canupawakpa Chief Raymond Brow, Chief Cornell McLean and several others on hand to welcome all to Winterfest 2024. Opening Ceremony kicked off with SVDN students singing O’Canada in the Dakota language. Welcoming words from dignitaries and recap video of SVDN member and NHL Las Vegas Golden Knight Stanley Cup Champion Zach Whitecloud’s journey from signing to the NHL to bringing the Cup home to Wipazoka Wakapa Oyate.
The weekend was filled with sport, activites, fun and visiting with friends and family who come from all over to take in the weekends events. Please enjoy the photo recap below.
