Ootakii’Passkann Brings Community and Blackfeet Culture to Campus

On Wednesday, Oct. 29, Haskell Indian Nations University came alive with Halloween week celebrations; most notably, an Ootakii’Passkann (Round Dance) hosted by Haskell Brave Rickson Bull Calf, who shared his traditional Blackfeet style of social dancing.

The event, held in the Coffin Sports Complex, drew a large crowd of students, alumni, and community members. Invited singers included Elias Hermany Horses, Floyd Silas, and Leeroy Chouteau Jr., among others. TQ Barrios served as the stickman, while TK Richardson took the mic as MC.

Alongside the typical round dance songs, several specials took place, including a Men’s “Lili” Contest, a Women’s “War Hoop” Contest, and a Best Ribbon Shirt and Skirt Contest, giving participants the chance to win prizes and showcase their creativity.

For Bull Calf, the event was about more than dancing. As part of his platform as Haskell Brave, he promotes mental health, suicide prevention, and community connection. When asked why he decided to host the round dance, he said:

“I just felt it was needed for everyone to come together as one. Because Iitao’tsstoyi (‘When the cold comes’) and when the sun goes down quicker, there’s not much sunlight. Seasonal depression is always lurking around this time. I wanted everyone to smile, to leave their stress—like school or work—whatever it might be, at the door. It’s always good to see familiar faces and give people the opportunity to meet one another.”

Bull Calf credited the event’s success to the singers who traveled to Haskell to take part.

“The singers I invited are the ones I look up to,” he said. “I’m very thankful they came all the way to Haskell for me and for the community. In my opinion, they’re some of the best singers in NDN Country.”

As a proud member of the Blackfeet Nation, Bull Calf wanted to share his tribe’s unique take on the round dance, known as Ootakii’Passkann.

“Originally, the Blackfeet people (Niitsitpii) didn’t have round dances,” he said. “We were known for other social dances like the fox trot, rabbit dance, and Kitopaskann (The Prairie Chicken Dance). The round dance traditionally comes from the Cree culture and was later introduced to the Blackfeet and other tribes, evolving into the round dances you see today. I’m still learning myself—the Blackfeet and Cree ways.”

By the end of the night, it was clear Bull Calf’s intentions had been fulfilled. The event cultivated laughter, camaraderie, and belonging— reminding everyone that during the colder months, community warmth can be the strongest medicine.

“I just hope everyone felt comfortable, safe, and had fun making new connections,” Bull Calf said. “That’s what it’s all about—no one feeling alone.”