Reclaim land for buffalo and Lakota lifeways

This report covers July – September, 2014.  Mila Yatan Pika Pte Oyate Okolakiciye (Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Organization) continues to provide a home/pasture 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.

July 2014

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 students, ages 14 – 17 years, received teachings on how to set up the tipis (lodges) where they would stay during the camp.  Other education and teachings included:  Lakota beliefs and ceremonies, a hands-on lesson in how to put up a fence in the exterior boundaries of the buffalo pasture, presentations made by local people.   The students went on a field trip through the Black Hills and attended a pow-wow in the district of Wakpamni which is located on the Pine Ridge Reservation. 

July 01 – 05 –  Wakanyeja Woapiye Wicoti (Children’s Healing Camp)  was held in Porcupine for nineteen young boys and girls.  All mentors, counselors, therapists, and the traditional healer volunteered to assist.  In addition, other volunteers included cooks and those who brought supplies and food to the camp.   One requirement is that each child must be accompanied by a parent/guardian  throughout the camp period. 

 Too many of our children have experienced trauma and we offer traditional healing ceremonies and  western types of therapy during this camp.   A number of children received Lakota spirit names and all the children participated in a  Wopakinte  ceremony.  This traditional ceremony symbolizes the wiping off of the body, mind and spirit to help strengthen them after participating in the purification lodge ceremony. 

This camp was co-sponsored by the Tasunke Wakan Okolakiciye (Medicine Horse Society) and are very grateful for their assistance. 

August

• Wikoskalaka  Wicayuwita Pi (Young Women’s ) Camp – July 31 – August 07  .  Co-sponsored this camp with Tasunke Wakan Okolakiciye (Medicine Horse Society)  for young girls and young women.  They received teachings on how to set up a tipi and other cultural and spiritual teachings.  Traditional healing ceremonies and western healing therapies were offered to participants.  A number competed the Womanhood Ceremony marking their  journey into womanhood. 

September

• Sacred site visit was made to Mato Tipila (Bear Butte) was made.  This site is located in the Black Hills near Sturgis, SD.  Spiritual offerings were made and taken to the top of Bear Butte. 
• Hosted a Camp Volunteer Brunch for those volunteers/families who participated in the three camps this year – Young Boys/Men’s Camp, Young Women’s Camp and the Children’s Healing Camp.

Future Events and Plans

1. Fencing Project -  This project is on-going.  Again, 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. .  We have purchased 400 steel posts and will continue fencing when weather permits
2. Wiping of Tears Ceremony - will organize and host this ceremony in October for our relatives who have experienced  a loss of some type. 
3. “Spiritual Rights of Children”  - A one-day planning session involving children will be held in December.  The  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.  
4. A presentation on “Teachings From the Buffalo” will be made to students at Porcupine School (K-8 grade) in December.
5. A meal will be provided to the Big Foot Memorial Riders in December as they make their annual ride on horses from eastern South Dakota to the Wounded Knee Massacre site in Wounded Knee, SD, eight miles from Porcupine.  Over 150 riders, including children, make this journey in memory of Chief Big Foot and  those 300+ men, women and children who were massacred in December1890 by the U.S. 7^th Calvary and placed in a mass grave.  Providing a meal is one way to support  the riders in what they do.  The Ride is now called the Future Generations Ride. 
6. A celebration will be held in December in recognition of the Winter Solstice.  Prayers will be offered and a meal will be provided to the people. 
7. Will co-sponsor the “Wakanyeja Ta Nagi Asniye Pi (Healing the Spirit of the Child, Youth and Family)”Conference  in December, Rapid City, 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:

• Knife Chief Page at Village Earth
• Knife Chief Facebook Page