By Eileen Iron Cloud | Summer 2015 Report
This report is for the period of July, August and September, 2015. 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 ts of spiritual and physical nourishment from them.
July 2015
The Wakanyeja Woapiye Wicoti (Children’s Healing Camp) was held in Porcupine, SD on July 1 – 5. Enrollment was set for twenty-five (25) children between the ages of 0 – 11 years but this number was quickly surpassed after an overwhelming response by parents, grandparents and guardians. A total of fifty-one (51) children participated in the camp activities with thirty-eight (38) camping in the tipis during the camp period. Children received a Wopakinte (spiritual purification) with some receiving a Lakota spiritual name. Other activities included horseback riding, trips to Evans Plunge, a large, in-door swimming pool in Hot Springs, SD and to Mato Paha (Bear Butte), Sturgis, SD to walk to the top of the sacred butte to offer prayers.
We offer our deep appreciation and gratitude to all those who volunteered and offered their services, including the Students Shoulder to Shoulder participants whose organization is based in Denver, CO, and the Wisconsin based group Gunderson-Lutheran Medical Center. We also acknowledge the tunkasila (grandfather) and unci (grandmother) spirits and the two wakan iyeska (interpreters of the sacred) for their teachings and for the healings received by the participants and the volunteers.
August 2015
The Lakota Wikoskalaka Yuwitapi (Lakota Gathering of Young Women) was held in Porcupine, SD on August 10 - 15. The camp offered traditional teachings related to becoming a young woman. A number of them received their Lakota spiritual name and participated in the womanhood ceremony with the help of the Wakan Iyeska (Interpreter of the Sacred) Hmuya Mani and other women volunteers. Other activities included horseback riding, talking circles, setting up tipis, and a walk to the top of Mato Paha (Bear Butte), Sturgis, SD to take spiritual offerings.
Awards at National Indian Health Board Conference, September, 2015, Washington, DC in various categories for their work in making the Young Women’s Gathering a success.
September 2015
Future Events and Plans
Conclusion
The suicides on the Pine Ridge Reservation have increased since January. 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.
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.
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