Reclaim land for buffalo and Lakota lifeways

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

PROJECT REPORT

This report covers  the period of October – December, 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.

October 2014

• October 14 – Young community member participated in the sacred Manhood Ceremony, a rite of passageinto manhood.  Preparation and teachings are held four nights prior to the day of the buffalo kill.  This is one of the seven sacred ceremonies held as a rite of passage into manhood. (See photo)

• October 30 – November 02 -  Collaborated with Tasunke Wakan Okolakiciye (Medicine Horse Society) to organize and host the “Koskalaka Yuwita Pi (Gathering of Young Men) Camp.  Eleven (11) young boys and young men, ages 11 – 17 years, participated in this gathering.  Although the weather was cold, tipis (lodges) were set up for the mentors and young men to sleep  in.  This was an all-volunteer effort of the Wakan Iyeska (interpreter of the sacred), the mentors and food providers.  In addition to the various activities, cultural and Lakota traditional healing was offered to the participants.   For more information and photographs, go to www.Koskalaka Yuwita Pi. 

November 2014

A challenging month of rain, sleet, ice and  deep snow which melted and turned to mud.  Many people were “ snowed in” which means  their roads were closed due to the wet and heavy snowdrifts. 

December 2014

• December 18 – 20 – Support given to the Tasunke Wakan Okolakiciye (Medicine Horse Society in conference held in Rapid City, SD entitled, “Wakanyeja Ta Nagi Asniya Pi (Healing the Spirit of the Child, Youth and Family
• December 21 – At the time of the Winter Solstice, offerings of wocekiye (prayers) and food were made and taken into the purification lodge as one of the sacred ceremonies – the Wanicokan Ceremony.
• December 28 – the riders and supporters of the Chief Big Foot Memorial Ride were provided a meal which included our donation of buffalo meat.  The event was held at Pahin Sinte Owayawa (Porcupine School).  The Big Foot Memorial Riders  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  our relatives - the 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. 

Future Events and Plans 

1.  Fencing Project -  This project is on-going.  Again, the early  winter storms and the severity of the cold weather was a challenge to the work. 

2.“Spiritual Rights of Children”  - A one-day planning session involving children will be held in the Spring.  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.  

1. Youth Healing Camp - A camp will be held on April 02 - 06, 2015 in Porcupine, SD for twenty-four (24) youth ages 11 - 18 years.  The camp's priority is for  12 females and 12 males who have experienced trauma.  The camp is a collaboration of three traditional Lakota societies.   

Conclusion

We are deeply saddened  due to the recent suicides on the Pine Ridge Reservation.  During a recent six-week period (January - February) four young people between the ages of 11 - 17 years completed suicide.  Following the suicides, many young people attempted suicide.  We continue to make our spiritual offerings and will work to assist the young people and their families by continuing to offer the healing camps for the children, the young women and the young boys and young men. 

  Oglala Sioux Tribal President John Yellow Bird-Steele has declared a state of emergency on the Pine Ridge Reservation due to the number of suicides.  Many federal agencies have been apprised of this and some agencies have detailed employees to the Reservation to assist. President Yellow Bird-Steele and the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council are committed to support the work of developing a strategic plan to help the people, especially the youth.  

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

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 Affiliate.

Links:

• Knife Chief Website
• Knife Chief Facebook Page