Sacred Pipe Resource Center invites community to kick off 2025 with family activities, prizes
New Year’s Eve celebration to feature lip-sync showdown
Indigenous Democracy Reporter
This year Sacred Pipe Resource Center promises games and puzzles for all ages to enjoy. Pictured are attendees from last year’s inaugural event on Dec. 31, 2023. (Photo credit Adrianna Adame)
As the clock winds down to midnight, families from Bismarck’s Indigenous community will gather at the Radisson Inn to ring in the New Year. That’s how Sacred Pipe Resource Center envisions their 2025 kickoff. The local non-profit is promising games, prizes and a safe, celebratory space on Dec. 31. However, organizers say, this will be more than just a party: It’s a chance for community members to connect, share joy and step into the future together.
Plans are for tables to feature games and puzzles for all ages to enjoy. One of the activities scheduled is “Get to Know You Bingo,” in which participants can win prizes by connecting with others in the crowd. Additionally, a crafting contest and door prizes are on the agenda.
Planners expect the highlight of the New Year’s Eve celebration to be the “Lip-Sync Battle.” Several teams have already registered, but Sacred Pipe is still looking for more participants. In this friendly competition, teams choose names, select songs and take the stage to match lip movements with their chosen tunes’ vocals. The contest is inspired by the popular TV show Lip Sync Battle, where stars compete in such challenges.
Prizes include $500 for first place, $300 for second, and $200 for third. Teams must have at least two members and no more than five. To sign up, participants must register by noon on Dec. 20 by emailing native@sacredpipe.net.
The event offers a safe, sober space to celebrate the New Year. Launched in 2024, it established itself as an alcohol- and drug-free venue. Registration is not required to take part. Sacred Pipe staff encourages everybody to come by and join the fun.
Cheryl Kary, executive director of Sacred Pipe, a nonprofit serving the Bismarck-Mandan area, said Sacred Pipe organizes these events to foster connection within the local Indigenous community.
“During Covid, one of the things we learned is that the urban tribal population has a feeling of isolation,” she said. “And so we’ve kind of been cognizant of that since. We want to have events where people can socialize and see other Native people that live in this community.”
Sacred Pipe has hosted several holiday events throughout the year, including an Easter celebration in the spring, a Halloween costume contest in October, and a winter solstice event on Saturday. “It was kind of a no-brainer to add a New Year’s Eve celebration,” Kary said.
Last year, the center held its first New Year’s Eve celebration at the Radisson, featuring an Elvis impersonator who performed and interacted with a crowd of 80 people. “It was such a success, everybody just had such a good time,” Kary said.
This year was an election year, and as 2025 approaches, some community members are uncertain about what the future holds, especially with a new presidency. Kary explained that the community needs an opportunity to relax and have fun before the year ahead.
“Given the election and that this new year is going to bring in a president that has been detrimental to Indian Country, I think we want to celebrate the start of the year in a good way and let people know that we’re part of a community,” she said. “We’re not alone in any hardships that are coming –– we can get through it together.”