Canwápe Gi Wi; Moon of the Brown Leaves

Aho! Our plans changed since our  last post. Instead of heading west for powwows and gatherings, we stayed local tending the garden,  honing our craft, seeing our grandchildren go off to school and participating in educational events closer to home. It’s the month of Canwápe Gi Wi, moon of the brown leaves, and we’ve had some rain. But the weather’s been warm and we’re preparing buffalo and elk hides needed for powwow drums and more. Around here we tan buffalo hide while the sun shines.  We took a two-day break to participate in the South Dakota Indian Education Summit in Pierre. And we’re glad we did!

South Dakota Indian Summit 2018

As the title suggests, the summit focused on educational needs of Native American students especially on the Northern Plains. Educators from schools and colleges shared their expertise on integration of traditions and values of Ocete Sakowin and wo Lakota into curriculum and classroom, technology and on-line teaching resources for teaching Northern Plains Histories, honoring with eagle feathers and teaching grit and traditional values. Youth present shared their experience of producing Mitakuye Oyasin (We Are All Related) student newsletter. Check out the Summit summary here    We participated as vendors and so we were not able to attend the conferences and events. Nevertheless, we  followed the events and summaries with the conference materials and by talking with the participants, educators and presenters.

It Happens in the Hallway

This was the title of one presentation describing how opportunities for social and emotional learning happen outside of the classrooms and often in the school hallways. However, the title could easily apply to us as vendors at events such as these. Our booth was in the hallway and while visitors are frequently looking for something to purchase, they also have questions and they share many stories. Being and educational event, we had eagle feathers respectfully displayed. When someone receives the honor of a feather, they are to keep it carefully in a safe place, usually a parfleche box.

Eagle feathers and Supaman

An eagle feather also reminds us to fly high, with the strength that is given to us by the Creator. Keynote speaker and Apsáalooke, Christian Parrish Takes the Gun  professionally known as Sapaman, generated a ‘growth mindset’ with his music, dancing and words of encouragement to find the path to greatness despite all difficulties. Greatness will be different for each one, but the beauty of our traditions and values will continually inspire us.