By Ethleen Iron Cloud | Project Director
MILA YATAN PIKA PTE OYATE OKOLAKICIYE
Project Report
October 2013
This report covers June 2013 through September 2013. Mila Yatan Pika Pte Oyate Okolakiciye (Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Organization) continues to provide a pasture/home for members of the Pte Oyate (Buffalo Nation) and the community continues to reap the benefits in terms of spiritual and physical nourishment from them. Below is a summary of our activities for this period. 
Two Wakanyeja (sacred beings – children) at the Children’s Camp 2013
June 2013 – we implemented a partnership with the Students Shoulder to Shoulder organization which is described as an “international school of global citizenship”, 13 students and 2 chaperones came and assisted Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Organization with scraping tipi poles that are used for the ceremonies including the Sundance ceremony and the children/youth camps. Did you know the Lakota word for “tipi pole” is “tushu”? Did you know that each pole represents a Lakota value, e.g., the first pole at the door of the tipi represents “Waunsila”, the Lakota term for “compassion”. This value is a reminder to have compassion for all who enter your home, feed them, clothe them if needed and be kind to them. 
Tony and Lew showed the students how to scrape the Tipi Poles
The students also assisted with the fencing project for the buffalo pasture. They were exposed to cultural speakers and activities throughout the week. This international organization sends teams of youth to various communities around the globe to assist with community development and as a cultural exchange. Their assistance to the Knife Chief Buffalo Nation community was greatly appreciated and their respectfulness was also appreciated.
June 2013 – Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Organization helped with sponsoring the annual Mila Yatan Pika Tiokiju Wakan Wi Wayang Wacipi, a very important ceremony where people make offerings and sacrifice for the future generations. Above is photo of the tipis at the ceremony (the youth from the Students Shoulder to Shoulder camp contributed to us being able to use the poles for the tipis you see in the photo). August 31- September 2, 2013: A children’s healing camp was held on these dates on the grounds of the Tasunke Wakan Okolakiciye (Medicine Horse Society) in Porcupine, SD. Approximately 30 children participated with their adult relatives and guardians. Many of them received a Lakota spirit name, Lakota traditional healing, Lakota equine assisted activities, a swimming trip and a huge birthday party for all of them. The children’s ages ranged from 2 years to 12 years of age. When asked what they liked the most about the camp, they drew pictures or related that they liked sleeping in the tipis, the Inipi (purification lodge ceremony) and the swimming. We were blessed with many volunteer relatives that assisted with setting up the tipis, chaperoning the children, providing activities, cooking/food preparation, taking down the tipis and assisting with the traditional healing ceremonies. We say a special Wopila (a big thank you) to the Tunkasila (grandfathers) and Uncis (grandmothers) of the spirit world for blessing this camp and the children and to their Interpreters Ohitiya Najin (Stands Brave – Roy Dennis Stone), Hmuya Mani (Walks with a Roaring – Richard Two Dogs) and Wicahpi Koyag Mani (Wears the Star Walking – Richard Moves Camp) and to all the volunteers and donors to the camp. Without all of your help, this camp would not have been possible. 
We plan on assisting with a Koskalaka Wicayuwita Pi (Young Men’s Gathering) camp in which boys and young men, ages 11-18, will gather to learn Lakota traditional teachings about becoming or being a man from their older male relatives and mentors. Some of the activities include Lakota values teachings, honoring relationships, greeting the Morning Star, Lakota traditional healing and receiving a Lakota spirit name if they don’t have one and would like one. This camp will be held on October 31-November 2, 2013. We continue to observe the spiritual calendar, the next sacred site visit is on October 15, 2013 to Pte Ta Tiopa (Doorway of the Buffalo) near Buffalo Gap, SD in the sacred Black Hills. This is the time when the buffalo return to the sacred Black Hills and when we (humans) know to make spiritual offerings. The spiritual calendar was taught to us (Lakota people) by the Pte Oyate (buffalo nation) and to whom we continue to honor and care for. We also plan to sponsor a Historical Trauma and Healing conference on October 11-12, 2013 (see www.knifebuffalonation.org for conference information). Our fencing project will continue as the weather permits. We continue to work toward maintaining the pasture for our relatives the buffalo and honoring the relationship we have with them.
For more information, contact us at: Email: knifechiefbuffalonation@gmail.com Telephone: 605-441-2914 or 605-407-0091 Website: www.knifechiefbuffalonation.org or www.villageearth.org look for Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Organization under Global Affiliates
We extend a heartfelt appreciation to the people who have supported our efforts whether financially, physically or spiritually. Your support is truly appreciated and we especially appreciate the Tunkasila (spiritual entities) for their continued support and guidance. We also acknowledge the Pte Oyate (Buffalo Nation) for what they inspire in us and their teachings – protection of the young, conservation of the land and the strength and fortitude to endure whatever comes. Lila Wopila Tanka!! (We thank you all very much). We ask you the general public, our friends and relatives, what you think we should do to expand our work so that others can learn from the teachings of the buffalo nation? We are very interested in hearing from you!
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