The 2017 total solar eclipse came and went  touching the minds and hearts of thousands across the country. Here are some pictures of the day of sharing at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument  under a warm and cloudless day. A once in a lifetime event for many of us there. An eagle flew over us as night was approaching –it was beautiful. Suzie and I felt overwhelmed and blessed!

And here are some thoughts  I shared which appeared South Dakota Public Broadcasting Blog Post. Click here for the full article.

“We’re being given an opportunity to give thanks and pray for the future. When the eclipse comes to this area, everything beneath that eclipse is sacred. Because the spirit people are coming. When it gets dark, that’s when they come. That’s when we can embrace them.That’s when we can ask for their help. That’s when you can say, help me to look into the future. You just gotta remember the past — all those that died so that we can be here, and then give thanks and pray for the future generations. This dark chapter of our history has nothing but atrocity and ill feelings between the white man and the Indian. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. As the eclipse shows itself and darkens the earth, it’s showing us that it doesn’t have to stay that way. When it gets dark, we realize that we’ve come to the end of our lives, and as the sun gets light again, it’s like saying you’re reborn. From this day on, carry on with what you believe. And if you can do that, others will follow.”

My great-grandmother witnessed the solar eclipse of 1870 on this land. The buffalo would come here and our people would follow them. I hope and pray that in 50 years one of my grandchildren will be able share a Lakota perspective at the next solar eclipse to come this way.

Kelly Looking Horse