South Dakota Indigenous festival selected for Smithsonian America 250 program

Levitt at the Falls announced its Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ All My Relatives Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ Festival has been selected to participate in Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals, a program marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, according to Dakota News Now. Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ All My Relatives Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ Festival, now in its fourth year, is described as a multigenerational celebration of Indigenous people through performance, design and community.

Nancy Halverson, president and CEO of Levitt at the Falls, said in a statement the selection is an opportunity to share a festival centered on Native excellence. The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage selected about 40 festivals to participate. Director Clifford Murphy said the anniversary is a time to celebrate cultural democracy and reflect on shared futures.