Spring Racap • Summer Recap • Fall Semester & Upcoming Events • Student Opportunities
Han Mitakuyapi / Hello everyone! We are just reaching the halfway point through the semester so we wanted to share some of the major events from the Spring and Summer Semesters, along with some updates and events to look forward to yet this Fall. If you have any questions, inquiries, or comments for the Wokini office and related projects, please email Keely Eagleshield at the link below.
On February 15th, Wokini scholars attended the Sean Sherman Lecture hosted by the Honors College. Chef Sean Sherman, also known as “The Sioux Chef,” had a virtual conversation to a large audience at the OLPAC at South Dakota State University about his role in helping reclaim and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Indigenous communities around the world. Mr. Sherman did an amazing job and many of our Scholars were happy to learn about the growing North American Tradition Indigenous Food Systems Organization (NATIFS). We hope to see continued collaboration with the NATIFS Organization at SDSU.
Killers of the Flower Moon Readings, Screening, and The David Grann Lecture & Book Signing
On April 5th, David Grann, Author of Killers of the Flower Moon: The Arc of Justice visited campus and was able to meet with and talk to Wokini Scholars. The students asked David about his early life, how he came upon the infamous story, and how his perspectives changed during and after writing the book. "For the first 2 years (of 5) it was purely research; utilizing the Freedom of Information Act, requesting information and a lot of waiting […] Until that point I thought I had understood the basis of this story, but connecting the dots helped me see that this was actually an entirely systemic issue." David went on to discuss in his evening lecture that he eventually came across a small log book that housed very telling Osage conservatorship information. Financial guardianship for Native Americans did not end until 1934 and in this book revealed that a single person could ward an entire Osage family. Grann saw that families of varying ages, occupations, and health statuses were all noted as "deceased" and with accompanying dates being very close together. "Everyone was in on it. Doctors poisoning their own Osage patients, coroners were covering bullet wounds before stating 'natural causes' on their death certificates."
This was a great introduction to very serious conversations about the true history and uncovering hidden truths that continue to impact tribal communities today. Although we appreciate many perspectives on important topics, we encourage you to find materials published by Indigenous authors, researches, and professionals when learning about Indigenous-related topics.
The AISC hosted two Lakota Elders and Language Keepers from April 8th to April 10th; Velma Kills Back of the Oglala Lakota Nation and Philimon D. Two-Eagle of the Sicangu Lakota Nation.
"I attended several of the Elder in Residence events, and they were inspiring and eye opening. The first event I attended was the Morning blessing where we smudged and I got to hear their background stories. I then attended the dinner where Phil talked about the “Lakota Tiospaye” and what it represents. The next day, they came to my class and we spoke about the learning the Lakota Language. They both taught me the importance of keeping our language and culture alive. And how to also keep and share my Native Identity in a Non-Native world. I appreciated their visit to campus and hope to see them again soon."
The American Indian Student Association (AISA) hosted its 32nd Annual Wacipi (Powwow) on April 20th - 21st. The event included a Red Dress Special to honor and recognize Murdered & Missing Indigenous Relatives (MMIR), various dance categories including grass dance, fancy shawl, jingle dress, and traditional, a community meal served by volunteers, and winners were announced on Sunday to conclude the event.
The office of Wokini Initiative was proud to recognize and honor Dallas Kelso, Chapter President of AISA, esteemed Wokini Scholar, and SDSU's 2nd ever Udall Scholarship recipient!
Other special thanks to the Head Staff for all their efforts to make this a great powwow: Eyapaha Butch Felix, arena director Londell Seaboy, head judge Mike One Star, head man dancer Kydd Trae Little Sky, head woman dancer Jocy Little Sky, host drum Bad Nation with Darrell and Gerald Zephier, and color guard Indigenous Akicita Women.
Thank you to anyone else who helped make this a great event and we look forward to next year's as planning is already underway! If you're interested in participating, supporting, or have any other questions about the Annual Wacipi, please contact AISA's advisor Marisa Hare.
Keely Eagleshield is a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, an SDSU alumni, contemporary Lakota beadworker, and the Program Coordinator of the Wokini Initiative. She monitors the Wokini Challenge Grant program, Wokini's USDA NBTS Grant, Professional Development programming, and various collaborative efforts on and off campus.
Coordinator Recruitment for the Office of Admissions
Wakinya Bose is a member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, an SDSU alumni, and the Coordinator of AIS Recruitment with the Office of Admissions. He works closely with connecting SDSU to tribal communities, high schools across the state, and collaborates with Wokini and the AISC to bring students to campus.
American Indian Student Advisor for the AISC
Marisa Hare is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, an SDSU alumni, and the American Indian Student Success Advisor with the AISC. She works closely with students, is the advisor of AISA, and works closely with Wokini to organize and monitor the Wokini Scholarship programming.
Summer Recap
Paint the Playground Project
This summer, Wokini supported the Paint the Playground Community Service Project. Members from AISC, Admissions, Wokini & SDSU Extension came together to help paint the playground at the Crow Creek Elementary School in Fort Thompson, SD. This team helped create a fitness agility course along with other classics such as Four Square and Hopscotch. Wokini hopes to enhance collaborative efforts with SDSU Extension and plans to support this community service project with another visit soon.
From left to right: Wakinya Bose (SDSU Student Recruitment Coordinator), Marisa Hare (SDSU Student Success Advisor), Wiyaka His Horse Is Thunder (Director of the AISC at SDSU), Alica Muldrow (SDSU Extension Associate), Keely Eagleshield (SDSU Wokini Coordinator), and Evan Hawk (CCES Athletic Director and Coordinator).
Mitakuye Oyasin (All My Relatives) Festival
This summer, the Wokini Initiative supported the Mitakuye Oyasin (All My Relatives) Festival hosted by the Levitt At The Falls on July 26th and 27th. This festival is held annually and FREE to the public to celebrate Native American musicians, art, and culture.
"Often Indigenous people are discussed in pensive sadness and from a historical aspect rather than the beauty of our culture and how we exist today. Levitt’s mission is to help build community through music and offers these festivals for free, which increases the chance that those who might not attend this type of festival normally are more encouraged to do so. By sponsoring events such as this, the Wokini Initiative hopes to provide SDSU’s staff, faculty, and students the opportunity to experience and explore indigenous culture in a new way, as well as enhance opportunities for Indigenous students; prospective, existing, and graduated."
- Keely Eagleshield
Photo Credits: CHINOAK - Kelley Creative Collective. From Left to Right: Alejandra Juarez, Marisa Hare, and Keely Eagleshield.
We would like to thank all the following SDSU students, staff, and faculty for all their support and collaborative efforts with the Wokini Office: President Barry Dunn, Dennis Hedge, Vernon Brown, Wiyaka His Horse Is Thunder, Marisa Hare, Wakinya Bose, Valeska Momotic, Toby Eucker, Christi Garst-Santos, Karla Hunter, Lindsay Hammer, and Alejandra Juarez. We would also like to thank the Levitt for their continued partnership with our office and we look forward to next year's festival!
Fall Semester
Early Orientation Program at AISC
The American Indian Student Center (AISC) hosted their annual Early Orientation Program/Welcome Week for incoming Indigenous/Native American students to get acclimated to the campus and learn about all the different areas of support before classes began. This year we welcomed a record number of Wokini scholars and Indigenous freshman with special thanks to the efforts of Wakinya Bose, Coordinator of American Indian Student Recruitment with the Office of Admissions, and Marisa Hare, American Indian Student Advisor with the American Indian Student Center (AISC). Twenty new students participated in the program and 9 Welcome Week Leaders helped welcome everyone as they participated in each day's activities. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a memorable welcome week, and thank you President Dunn for all your efforts in speaking with the students!
Hoop Performance by Dallas & Delacina Chief Eagle
On Friday, September 6th, the South Dakota Art Museum sponsored the "Nurturing the Hoop of Life: Lakota-Style Hoop Dance" by Dallas & Delacina Chief Eagle event organized by Wokini Engagement Fellow, Alejandra Juarez. Alejandra is a Wokini Scholar working at the SD Art Museum to coordinate cultural events on campus focused on creating learning opportunities through Indigenous art and perspectives.
Witaya Naunzipi (We Stand Together) Scholarship Reception by AISC & Wokini
The AISC and Wokini Initiative hosted the Witaya Naunzipi (wee-ti-ya na-uh-zee-pee) or We Stand Together Scholarship Reception for new Wokini Scholars and Continuing Education Scholarship Recipients with special guest speaker Billy Mills on Saturday, September 21st. Mills grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation, attended the University of Kansas, served in the U.S. Marine Corps, founded Running Strong for American Indian Youth and became an internationally known speaker and author. It was an honor to have him speak to and meet with our Wokini scholars and supporters, and we hope it was a memorable experience for all who could help us celebrate our students.
Bison Studies at the Custer Buffalo Roundup
Dr. Phil Urso is an assistant professor of Bison Studies here at SDSU and a recent awardee of the Wokini Challenge Grant Program. Taylor Even, an Animal Science student and Wokini Scholar, was able to attend a collection in Dr. Urso’s Bison Studies Laboratory this past week at Custer State Park for their Annual Buffalo Roundup. Taylor was instrumental in collecting samples for an ongoing project at SDSU pertaining to the circulating minerals in bison.
MMIR Walk and Round Dance
On Thursday, October 17th, the American Indian Student Center hosted a Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives walk and round dance throughout campus with the drum group Wakpa Ipaksan Singers. This walk helps raise awareness about the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives and serves as a call for justice, a space for healing, and a tribute to the lives lost to violence. By walking together in solidarity, we not only remember those who are missing or have been murdered, but also give strength to the ongoing efforts to end this crisis. Thank you to all who participated and special recognition for Paige Cain for all her organizational efforts in making this a great event. We encourage everyone to attend upcoming events and learn more about Oceti Sakowin (oh-chet-tee shock-oh-wihn) peoples and culture.
Upcoming Events
Artist in Residence | Donald Montileaux
October 21st - 23rd, 2024
The American Indian Student Center is bringing Donald Montileaux to campus Oct 21st-23rd. He will be talking about his artwork in the AISC on Oct 22nd from 2:30pm-3:30pm and also sharing his experience as an Indigenous artist on Oct 22nd at 6:00pm in the Art Museum. Although I highly recommend you consider attending all of the sessions provided! Links to the Artist in Residence art workshop and dinner are below! Please sign up so our office can plan accordingly!
John Sterner | Lakota Artist and Educator’s Spiritual Art Journey
October 22nd, 2024 at 9:30am
John Knife Sterner – an artist, teacher, coach, Sicangu Lakota, parent, husband, brother, and son – was born in Flandreau, SD, and currently resides in Marhsall, MN. He is involved in many different aspects of public and personal art. John will be highlighting his public sculptures created for Marshall MN as well as his other works with painting and graphic art. Working with several mediums, he sculpts in bronze, iron, fabricated steel, and wood. Art education is also a love of Johns – teaching for over 30 years from 1st graders to university students. John will also incorporate his cultural Lakota heritage which is an important part of his personal journey making him the person, instructor and artist he is today. To learn more visit John’s website at the link below.
The AISC is hosting the Lakota Nation vs. United States film screening and panel discussion with co-director Jesse Short Bull and producer Amber Morning Star Byers. Lakota Nation vs. the United States is a documentary that explores the Lakota people's centuries-long struggle to reclaim their sacred land, the Black Hills, from the U.S. government. It highlights the historical injustices, broken treaties, and the ongoing fight for sovereignty, while also celebrating the resilience and cultural strength of the Lakota people.
Wokini Partners with the Office of Career Development
The Wokini office has partnered with the Office of Career Development and the American Indian Student Center to cultivate dynamic and inclusive learning environments with Indigenous students, explore "Indigenizing Professionalism" practices, and enhance engagement with tribes, tribal businesses, and tribal community opportunities.
Please visit their website to find part-time and work study jobs, internships, and other opportunities!
Join the team, our federal partners from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Tribal Relations, and alumni of this exciting internship opportunity to learn more about how you can apply and gain specialized career experience with programs that benefit Indian Country and relate to USDA tribal agriculture and food policy programs.
.jpg?upscale=true&width=582&upscale=true&name=IMG_1057(2).jpg)
