By Eileen Iron Cloud | Project Board Member
MILA YATAN PIKA PTE OYATE OKOLAKICIYE (KNIFE CHIEF BUFFALO NATION ORGANIZATION)
PROJECT REPORT
This report covers the period of October, November and December, 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 terms of spiritual and physical nourishment from them.
Below is a summary of our activities for this period.
October 2015
Knife Chief Buffalo Nation co- sponsored a conference “Ending Trans-generational Grief in Native Families” on October 8,9, 10 in Rapid City, SD with approximately 35 participants.
This was in partnership with the Tiospaye Sakowin Education and Healing Center. This Center is comprised of four groups – Tasunke Wakan Okolakiciye (Medicine Horse Society) promotes Lakota lifeways with emphasis on Lakota language revitalization and healing; Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Society promotes re-establishing and strengthening relationship with the buffalo nation; Oaye Luta Okolakiciye (Healing Journey Society) promotes healing from substance abuse/chemical dependency; and Sung Nagi Okolakiciye (Horse Spirit promotes strengthening relationship with the horse nation. These four organizations work together for the healing of the Lakota people.
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November 2015
We co-sponsored the Koskalaka Wica Yuwita Pi Wicoti (Young Boys/Men) Gathering Camp on November 6, 8, 9, held in Porcupine, SD. Details of the event can be found on the website (same name). This Camp is the second one held in 2015 due to the great need of healing for our young males. The first Camp was held in June. We are so thankful and appreciative of all who volunteer their time, energy and resources so that the young people have this great opportunity.
We worked on securing an agreement and partnership with the Oglala Sioux Parks and Recreation Authority for the lease of pasture for the buffalo
December 2015
Knief Chief Buffalo Nation received a gift of 17 buffalo from the Devyn Strong Estate in California. The buffalo were transported back and transitioned into the pasture.
We Co-sponsored a conference on December 16, 17, 18 entitled “Utilization of Culture, Language and Life ways to Impact our Children’s Education” as part of the Tiospaye Sakowin Education and Healing Center. Conference was held in Rapid City, SD with approximately 30 participants.
The Conference was intended for service providers and those in the helping field, education, school staff, mental health, counseling, social services, social workers, youth program staff, and juvenile detention staff.
Knife Chief Buffalo Nation hosted a planning meeting after the Conference to plan for events and strategies to continue the work.
Future Events and Plans
Young Men’s Camp – May 28 – 30
Children’s Camp – July 6 – 10
Young Women’s Camp – July 28 - 31
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
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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