Wadopana Celebration

In the early 1800s, the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled up the Missouri River and recorded interactions with various tribes, including the Assiniboine. Their expedition journals reference encounters with these peoples, detailing trade, diplomacy, and the challenges of navigating these territories. The Assiniboine were known for their role in the fur trade and their connections with European and other Indigenous traders.

The oldest traditional powwow in Montana, exemplified by the Wadopana Celebration in Wolf Point, holds a profound significance within the Native American community. Hosted by the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, special ceremonies held during this event include naming individuals and honoring family members who serve as pillars of cultural preservation and spiritual connection. The celebration is always the first weekend of August.

Naming ceremonies, steeped in tradition and symbolism, reflect the deep-rooted reverence for ancestry and identity within Indigenous cultures. These rituals bestow individuals with meaningful names and reinforce their ties to their heritage and community, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity across generations. Similarly, ceremonies to honor family members underscore the importance of kinship and communal support, recognizing the invaluable contributions of relatives and strengthening the bonds that unite the community as a whole.

The celebration in Wolf Point is a traditional event with no judging or individual prize money. Saturday is for young people and includes games, runs/walks, and many outdoor activities. Through these ceremonies and events, the Wadopana Celebration not only celebrates Native American culture but also perpetuates its rich traditions, values and customs for future generations to cherish and uphold.

Wolf Point is a county seat in northeastern Montana where Wolf Creek flows into the Missouri River. It is part of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, which is home to two American Indian nations, each composed of numerous bands and divisions.