This is the month of Wípazutkan Wasté Wi, month when the June berries are good. It’s been almost a full year since our last update. This past year and a half has included both sadness and joy. Sadness because we mourned the lost of close relatives and friends during the long months of the peak of the pandemic. Joy because welcomed into this world our grandson, and enjoyed the amazing growth of his older siblings and cousins.
Also like many, we stayed at home, taking care of family. We adjusted to the new normal by giving presentations via Zoom. True, it’s not the same as in person gatherings and the positive energy one gives and receives sharing stories and singing. But it’s better than nothing!
We share below pictures of an in person presentation before the pandemic shut down all traveling.
Workshop, Fall 2019 
Presentation, Fall 2019
This past November we gave a moccasin demonstration (via Zoom)for the United American Indian Involvement Center of Los Angeles. You can view it here Thank you UAII for hosting us and making this video! Keep up your amazing work!
As travel restrictions were lifted we made a quick day trip with our granddaughters to Ónažiča. It was known as the “Stronghold” located in Badlands because this is where our ancestors would go to for refuge and strength.
Once again we’ll be at Colter Bay at Grand Teton National Park June 29-July 5. Now we’re putting the finishing touches on the handcrafted items we’re bringing. Check here to get an idea of what we’ll be bringing.
We look forward to summer road trips again. We wish all families and visitors safe travels in the summer weeks ahead!
Aho! It’s been a while since we last posted. Weeks are rolling by. This week we’re once again in Colter Bay Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/cbvc.htm. Here we share with you some pictures of the week. Be well stay safe!
April-Wihákaktacépapi Wi
Aho! Wihákaktacépapi Wi, literally means ‘moon when the wife had to crack bones for marrow fat’. In times gone by hunting was near impossible in the plains. Even if the severe blizzards subsided by early spring herds of buffalo would be difficult to find and other game close to non-existent. Hence the Lakota descriptive of this time, when buffalo bone marrow helped supplied nutrients for sustenance.
Staying at home during Covid19 Pandemic
This harsh way of describing an otherwise lovely month of spring adequately expresses the hardships and uncertainty that Covid19 has brought. These weeks of an onslaught of the pandemic of our times, has changed the patterns of life for everyone throughout the world Pine Ridge included. It’s not easy to follow rules of social distancing especially as we worry about elders and the helpless. Food, medical supplies and even soap and hand sanitizers can be a challenge to obtain in rural areas including reservations. Thankfully communities are strong and we’re learning new ways to resource necessary items to care for our families.
We’re also on reservation wide lock down to prevent the spread of the corona virus. But travel restrictions are partially lifted until Saturday so people can get necessary provisions. We’re in good health for which we are blessed. We have had to suspend presentations, workshops, tours and travel for the time being. Instead, we’re crafting, taking care of our relatives and spending time with our family. Offering prayers, burning sage, drumming and singing is also away to offer our prayers for the sick, the care givers and those who have or will walk on because of this illness.
Spring has Sprung
We’re enjoying lovely spring days when tulips and trees hint more hopeful times. But cold windy days could return. Perhaps that’s to remind us difficult times won’t altogether disappear. But together we’ll have the strength to face those challenges each day as they come.
Stay safe stay home wherever you are. And when these times past we look forward to hearing from you and eventually to see you again at Pine Ridge or in our travels.
Happy New Year!
Omaha Teca!
Wioteheka Wi, the month of the hard moon is also one of new beginnings.
Since we’ve last posted, we’ve been busy giving presentations and tours at Pine Ridge and nearby. We also participated in art fairs, powwows. And most important, we spent time with our family. We’re excited to share with you that Kelly has been named a 2020 Culture Capital Fellow of First Peoples Fund. We’re honored to be part of an amazing cohort of artists representing their nations from across turtle island. You can read more here.
https://www.firstpeoplesfund.org/news/2020-fellows-announcement
Preparations for the development of our project have begun. We’re developing our program for young people to learn how to make regalia and be part of our Lakota traditions through powwow dancing. Our program will begin soon. Stay tuned for more details.
Stay safe and warm but don’t forget to appreciate the beauty of winter especially under a full moon or starry night.
American Indian Occupation of Alcatraz, November 20, 1969
November 20th, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the peaceful occupation of Alcatraz. Few outside of Indian country may be entirely aware of the significance of the event when in 1969 men, women and youth children from across the continent convened on Alcatraz island. Once the site of the infamous penitentiary it is now a major tourist attraction. But fifty years ago the prison was closed. The small island in San Francisco Bay was unoccupied land managed by the federal government. The occupation reminded the United States Government of longstanding and unfulfilled obligations from Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. Accordingly out of use federal land was to be returned to the people who once occupied it. See this Wikipedia article for more information- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupation_of_Alcatraz
The Alcatraz occupation resonated throughout the country and drew national and international support to address the issues of inequality impacting life for Native Americans. While there were some dark moments of the nineteenth month occupation the event sparked a movement that continues even to this day.
“There were difficulties but the calm resolve of the Native Community was greater-Who would have known?” Suzanne Looking Horse
Making History
Several families were part of the occupation of Alcatraz. As a child Suzie accompanied her grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins to the island. Her uncle the late Sonny Thompson used a small motorboat to ferry people and supplies. And one of her aunts helped staff the makeshift first aid center. Her mother came on weekends since she couldn’t take off from work.
“We were just kids- Suzie recalls—and so I don’t remember much. In the morning we attended classes so that we were able to continue with our studies when we returned back to school. The rest of the time we explored the island including the abandoned jail cells. We ate in the large dining room and our families lived in the former guardhouses. It was indeed an adventure. I’ve come to cherish these childhood memories. The participation in this historic event has shaped who I am today. I have the responsibility to instill the lessons learned to younger generations. It’s important to our history and our future.
As I look back I realize there must have been tremendous difficulties and sacrifices to launch and carry this peaceful occupation. Yes, there were difficulties but the calm resolve of the occupiers was greater. It comforted us and strengthened us. As a child I felt safe and cared for. I realize now this was not easy to accomplish. Who would have known?”
Commemorating 50th Anniversary of Occupation of Alcatraz
We wish we could be there with our relatives commemorating the 50th anniversary year. But our thoughts and prayers are there and we’ll tell our grandchildren the importance of these events, which remind us that there is still work to be done.
Here we share with you some resources where you can learn more about past events. And if you’re in the Bay Area consider participate upcoming events commemorating the beginning of a new chapter of our history. Share your memories and experiences of this part important event.
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