Reclaim land for buffalo and Lakota lifeways

MILA YATAN PIKA PTE OYATE OKOLAKICIYE (KNIFE CHIEF BUFFALO NATION ORGANIZATION)

Project Report

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.

April  -  Work on the fencing of the buffalo pasture was minimal due to the snow and rainy weather during this month.  The caretaker continued to do weekly checks on the buffalo weather and roads permitting.  The road to the pasture is approximately five (5) miles off the paved highway which is a challenge at times, especially in the spring and winter months.

May 17 - Spiritual offerings were made and placed at the sacred site we call Pe Sla (Peh Shla), which we consider the center of the world.  This site is located within the Black Hills near Rapid City, SD.  Offerings and prayers were made to the bird nation and to the animal nation in thanksgiving. 

June 5 –8– We (Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Society and the Medicine Horse Society) co-sponsored a Koskalaka Wicayuwita pi (Young Men’s Camp) in Porcupine.  This camp included fifteen (15) young men with a number being in foster care and some who lived with single mothers/guardians/grandmother. 

This was an “opportunity for the young men to learn traditional teachings and to experience healing and gain knowledge to strengthen the path toward manhood.”  Activities included the teachings of how to set up and take down a tipi where they lived  during the four days;  how to hunt;  how to work together as a team; how to set up the sacred fire for the purification lodge; and the spiritual and cultural ways to be a strong Lakota male.  These activities were a part of the healing experience for the young men and also for the mentors who provided guidance and leadership during this time. 

While the mentors organized and worked with the young men, others supported by providing resources, helping with the meals, etc.  on a volunteer basis.   The mentors did fundraising to help offset the expenses but more resources were needed.  We give thanks that all went well and humbly say wopila (a big thank you) to the spiritual entities for their help and protection.  For more information and photos, please check out Lakota Young Men’s Gathering on Facebook. 

June 30 – July 7 – We hosted three instructors and twelve students from the Students Shoulder to Shoulder organization in their second visit to Porcupine.   “Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder, an international organization founded on the premise of service learning and engaging students in responsible and global citizenship. Over the years, more than 20 ESD students have traveled to New Orleans and South Dakota, as well as Bolivia, Kenya, Nepal, Peru, and Tibet.”  (Source:  Students Shoulder to Shoulder website)

The group participated in a number of activities during their visit.  More information and photos will be provided in the next quarterly report due in October, 2014.

Photo – 2. Hunka ceremony -  

Future Events and Plans 

1. Fencing Project -  This project is on-going and, hopefully, will be completed in the fall of 2014.  The early and late winter storms and the severity of the cold weather continue to be challenges to the work.  The project leases two pastures of which one (1,200 acres) is fenced.  We plan to complete the fencing of 1,500 acres which is approximately seven (7) miles.  One mile of steel posts have been set up and holes are dug for wood posts to be put in the ground.  We have purchased 400 steel posts and will continue fencing when weather permits.

b. Wiping of Tears Ceremony - will organize and host this ceremony in September  for our relatives who have experienced  a loss of some type. 

1.  Wikoskalaka  Wicayuwita pi (Young Women’s ) Camp – July 31 – August 07 –will co-sponsor this activity as in previous years.
2. “Spiritual Rights of Children”  - A one-day session involving children and community members will be held in September.  The planned activity is a result of discussions regarding the high number of neglect and abuse cases within our community,  and the need to protect our children and to provide teachings  on how children can protect themselves.   
3.  Sacred site visit to Mato Tipila (Bear Butte) will be made in September.  This site is located near in the Black Hills near Sturgis, SD. 

Conclusion

Again, we extend a heartfelt appreciation to the people who support our efforts whether it be 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 for their teachings, i.e., protection of the young, conservation of the land and the strength and fortitude to endure whatever is placed in our path.  Lila wopila tanka! (We thank you all very much).

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information, contact us at:

Email:  knifechiefbuffalonation@gmail.com

Telephone:  605-441-2914, 605-407-0091

Website:  www.knifechiefbuffalonation.org

or www.villageearth.org look for Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Organization under Global Affiliates

Links:

• Website