Sioux Falls, SD—In a significant cultural milestone, South Dakota’s Levitt at the Falls announced its prestigious Mitakuye Oyas’iŋ *All My Relatives* Festival has been chosen to participate in the renowned Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals. This participation marks a joyous occasion, as the festival joins approximately 40 others in celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States, emphasizing the enduring cultural democracy that defines the nation.
Now in its fourth year, the Mitakuye Owas’iƞ * All My Relatives * Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ Festival celebrates Indigenous culture, art, and community with a distinctly South Dakotan essence. Under the leadership of Nancy Halverson, President and CEO of Levitt at the Falls, the festival has garnered national attention, celebrating Native excellence in design and performance. “We’re especially honored to be selected to represent our community and share a festival centered on Native excellence—an opportunity that is deeply meaningful and uniquely rooted in our identity as a South Dakota–based arts organization,” Halverson expressed with palpable pride.
The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, led by director Clifford Murphy, meticulously selected these festivals to represent the intrinsic values of the ‘Our Shared Future: 250’ initiative. “The 250th anniversary is a time to celebrate our extraordinary cultural democracy, to visit with the people, places, and traditions within it, and to contemplate our shared future,” Murphy stated, underscoring the festival’s importance.
Levitt at the Falls, a beacon of multicultural expression in South Dakota, champions innovative initiatives that highlight the creativity and resilience of Indigenous communities. As Sioux Falls stands at the heart of this vibrant confluence of tradition and modernity, the festival’s selection spotlights South Dakota’s vital role in preserving and promoting Indigenous traditions through cutting-edge artistic representations.
Situated in the spectacular plains of South Dakota, Levitt at the Falls engages local and national audiences alike, presenting a robust platform for dialogue and exchange. The Mitakuye Oyas’iŋ *All My Relatives* Festival’s selection thus becomes a testament not only to its outstanding curation and impact but also to the growing recognition of South Dakota’s role on the national stage in cultural storytelling.
The festival’s focus on performance, design, and community resonates with the rhythm of South Dakota’s sweeping landscapes and its people’s indomitable spirit. Each event reflects dedication to cultural preservation, offering a unique opportunity for participants to witness the unfolding narrative of America’s cultural fabric through Indigenous eyes.
This celebration coincides with the Smithsonian’s ‘Our Shared Future: 250’, an anniversary initiative funded by the institution, aiming to bring forth narratives that bind the nation through its rich and variegated history. As part of this initiative, the Mitakuye Owas’iƞ festival will not only dazzle with its celebration of Indigenous heritage but also ensure the voices from South Dakota echo across the broader United States.
By being part of the Smithsonian’s Festival of Festivals, Levitt at the Falls further cements its place as a key player in South Dakota’s artistic and cultural sphere, promoting an inclusive and dynamic platform that fosters mutual understanding and respect among diverse groups. Through its commitment to nurturing indigenous artistry, Levitt reinforces South Dakota as a vibrant cultural hub capable of influencing the national arts scene.
For those eager to learn more or participate in this cultural journey, Levitt at the Falls welcomes enthusiasts to join in celebrating the tapestry of Indigenous performance, art, and community innovation. With eyes set on the future, Sioux Falls stands proudly as a beacon of hope and tradition, inviting all to celebrate the past, present, and future of American cultural diversity.