Spring Tours, Presentations and Workshops

Aho! Canasapa Wi -Moon when the chokecherries are black and July is warmly underway.  Our days and hearts are full with presentations, people and powwows. Soon after we returned from California attending the UCLA and Stanford powwows and meeting with college students on both campuses we went to the Colter Bay part of the Grand Teton National Park. Dozens of visitors from all over the country and world visited our exhibit, asked thoughtful questions, and even learned some drum circle skills.

Wo Lakota Guided Tours

Once back at Pine Ridge we introduced people coming from California, Maryland and Ohio to the  history and Lakota life of our beloved ‘rez’ .  Our guided tours include Wounded Knee, the Badlands and the He Sapa-Black Hills. And when they occur locally we introduce our visitors to the powwows in the area.

Traditional Powwow

Wakpamni Lake Community celebrated its own 4^th of July annual wacipi. It’s a small but mighty traditional powwow that includes a veterans honoring, flag raising ceremonies dancing, horse racing, great food and more. And just when one thinks it doesn’t get any better than that – does!

For us, the high point of the three day event was an honoring and naming ceremony for the latest graduates of the Looking Horse family. Our youngest daughter completed her BA at Oglala College.Our eldest granddaughter graduated as class valedictorian from 8^th grade at Pierre Indian School. Our generation can’t help but be thankful and blessed that our children and theirs continue to walk the Red Road just as the generations who have walked on have shown us.

Lakota Red Nations California Spring Tour

Lakota Red Nations California Spring Spring Tour which includes attending the UCLA and Stanford Powwows has officially begun. Early in the chilly dreary morning of April 26 we packed up our red truck affectionately known as ‘war pony’ because–well it is. While the sun was creeping up  we left Pine Ridge and headed towards California. We made it to Flagstaff, AZ Friday evening. From there we where we picked up historic route 66- the ribbon of highway bringing us into Riverside, east of Los Angeles Saturday evening. Our son Wankinyan joins us. And we’re glad he did. We deeply appreciate his help and energy.

UCLA and Stanford Powwows

For the fourth consecutive year we’ll be at the UCLA Powwow, May 5th & 6^th. The following week we’ll be at the Stanford Powwow, May 11-13. What better way to honor all mothers on mother’s day than at a powwow?  While there are many things that one can find at a powwow event, dancing, signing, and perhaps traditional crafts for sale Each powwow is unique, depending on the location time of year and of course people. We look forward to the UCLA and Stanford powwows because in addition to meeting up with longtime friends we have an opportunity to share, our passion and knowledge about Lakota history and culture for the visitors stopping by at the Lakota Red Nations booth.

We answer questions from what is parfleche (read about it here) to where is Pine Ridge Reservation? For many, the visit to UCLA or Stanford powwow is their first powwow experience. Hence, we’re able to explain the significance of what they’ll see in the dancing, signing and regalia of many nations participating in the grand Entry or veterans honoring. We also provide them with the opportunity to purchase hand crafted items using traditional Lakota techniques while incorporating new artistic ideas. All of our items are made on or near Lakota country.

Anniversary Year

This year Suzie and I celebrate forty years of adventures together and it all began at the Stanford Powwow which is why coming back always warms our heart. Stay tune for that story in a future post. In the mean time, looking forward to seeing you at the powwows.

LIVING LAKOTA HISTORY

Thousands of college students have spring break these days. Many head for warmer places like a beach in Florida or Cancun. Others travel in search of learning adventures that broaden their understanding of the world. Students spend hours reading and writing about history. But if they don’t have an opportunity to reflect on past events how can they discover their relevance today? Our guided tours provide students with the opportunity to reflect on history so as to learn from it. Thus,  students of all ages coming to Pine Ridge have a chance of living Lakota history. They learn how past events shape life for thousands of families living on or near Pine Ridge Reservation even to this day.

These past few weeks Pine Ridge Retreat Center and Re-Member Organization hosted groups coming from as far away as New Hampshire and Florida. We were happy to share our living history and day to day life here at Pine Ridge.

LIVING LAKOTA HISTORY

Our days included  a visit to Wounded Knee. This is the site of the 1890 massacre where hundreds of Lakota, mostly unarmed women and children were killed in a conflict with U.S. Cavalry. Loss of innocent human life always serves as a pause for deeper reflection. And in this case it serves to learn from the dark moments of history so as not to repeat them.

We visited historical government buildings. We also visited the Kili radio station located in Porcupine. This radio station, Lakota owned and operated, provides news, information and a variety of music formats broadcasting throughout the reservation and beyond.

Finally, in the evening we sang, shared stories, and more. The students will soon return to their classes and their books. But they will remember what they learned here.  As one commented, “lessons on the ground-will not be forgotten”. It’s an honor to guide inspiring future leaders who want to learn more about Lakota Nation. Contact us to schedule your tour of Living Lakota History.

Parfleche is a container made of rawhide usually painted in bold, colorful geometrical designs.  The word is of French origin, but the technique was used by the  Lakota and other Plain Indians to make containers of different sizes and for many purposes. Here we feature parfleche that we’ve recently finished.  While at would one time they would have been  necessary for guarding and transporting items, they are now most useful as part of regalia of the Northern Plains. Lakota Red Nations’ parfleche is available for purchase. Please contact us about pricing, custom orders and any other questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!

Aho!

It’s been awhile since we last shared what’s happening. Winter/ I wo blu  months make it a challenge to travel, with snow, high winds and sub zero temperatures. On the upside these days give us time and opportunity to hone the craft, build inventory, and share stories and quality time with relatives. This week as we were in between blizzards  we were able to support our grandson and his team mates at their school’s  basketball tournament. All valuable moments that soon turn into treasured memories.

Looking forward, we’re heading  to the Sinte Gleska University 48th Annual Founders Wacipi ending a week of conferences and forums educating in the Lakota way.  This year’s conference included, topics ranging from education and Millennials to an update on the Wiwala Wakpala Bison Field Station Project.  Check out Sinte Gleska University for more information and weekend schedule of events.