Art in the Park & Wopila Event
To commemorate our 25th anniversary, Four Bands hosted a wopila, a Lakota tradition of giving thanks, during this year’s Art in the Park on July 18, 2025, in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. More than a celebration, a wopila is a cultural expression of gratitude, generosity, and relationship-building. In this spirit, the day was marked by sharing 1,000 meals, 1,000 snow cones, 300 lemonades, 1,000 giveaway items, and 25 raffle prizes.
“This special day brought everything full circle — bringing people together and thanking them for placing their trust in us over the past 25 years,” said Alissa Benoist, Director of Programs at Four Bands, who led the planning of the anniversary event.
Benoist emphasized the intentional design of the wopila and Art in the Park, explaining, “Everything was guided by the seven Lakota values — wóohola (respect), wówačhiŋtȟaŋka (wisdom), wóuŋšila (compassion), wóksape (understanding), čantewasake (fortitude), and wówaȟwala (humility). These values continue to shape how we serve our community, nurture entrepreneurship, and remain aligned with our mission.”
Another emphasis within the day-long event was to counter concepts of extreme individualism often associated with capitalism. For example, the excessive prioritization of one person or organization over the collective or community. While a person may embrace these values in the name of “self-sufficiency,” it eventually leads to isolation. The wopila exemplified a balance of interdependence and demonstrated that our resources do not need to be overflowing to share with community. Through this celebration, Four Bands staff created a living illustration of how strength is built in mutual care – not self-sufficiency.
Food and drinks were provided by mostly local and Native-owned food trucks or restaurants. The Four Bands staff helped ensure everything ran smoothly with the giveaways, raffle, and other components of the day. This year’s construction interns provided security, set-up, clean-up, and additional logistics support. Under the big tent, seventy artisans and entrepreneurs offered a wide range of goods – from beadwork to apparel and everything in between. Multiple partners and local organizations hosted informational booths with resources for community members.
“I’m so proud of our staff, interns, vendors, and partners who hosted an amazing event. Everyone came together to help, and everything went smoothly,” says Alissa with gratitude.
Four Bands offers a special thanks to everyone who worked behind the scenes and on the front lines to make this year’s Art in the Park and our 25th anniversary celebration possible. We are humbled and honored to serve the communities of Cheyenne River.