ROSEBUD – Several volunteers acknowledged Sicangu Lakota Elders recently on the Rosebud reservation with a healthy lunch, alternative medicines and a day of play at the track.
On May 10, the staff of Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci and Lakota Made LLC teamed up to sponsor the second annual Tankake ki wotapi na taku icupi: “The Elders Will Eat and Take a Gift.” This gathering was held to provide a healthy lunch to Sicangu elders. On the menu was Tatanka Roast, Sweet Potato Puree, Roasted Veggies and Wild Rice Dessert with Wojapi. The staff, along with family members of students who attend Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci, prepared and served the meal.
Gift bags were also distributed to all elders who attended. Megan Bull Bear of Lakota Made LLC crafted the bags, which included a bag of dried corn and handmade medicines. A sweetgrass lip balm made with organic and sustainably sourced ingredients along with Tatanka salve to help with arthritic pain, swollen joints, inflammation and sprained muscles were welcome gifts. Also gifted was a jar of elderberry infused honey and a loose juniper nettle tea to ease upset stomach, heartburn, bloating and body inflammation. It was an amazing lunch featuring delicious food and wonderful gifts for our elders.
Also, the Sicangu Elderly Concerns group sponsored the thirty seventh annual Elder Games at the old St. Francis Indian School track on May 18. Outdoor events were held for attendees of all ages. Elder participants received t-shirts and medals. Events were held in both men and women categories. Results are as follows:
Men: fifty-yard walk – 1. Nigel Eagle Pipe, 2. Stanley Little Thunder, 3. Calvin “Hawkeye” Waln, 4. Sage Fast Dog. One-hundred-yard walk – 1. Nigel Eagle Pipe, 2. Stanley Little Thunder, 3. Chris Horvath, 4. Calvin “Hawkeye” Waln. One quarter mile walk – 1. Stanley Little Thunder, 2. Calvin “Hawkeye” Waln, 3. Nigel Eagle Pipe, 4. Chris Horvath. Horseshoes: three-way tie for first place: Steve Leader Charge, Ellis Marshall and Myron Bone Shirt. Tie for second place: Dwayne Bronco Bill and Stanley Little Thunder. Third place: Gary Little Thunder.
Women: fifty-yard walk – 1. Teddie Rae Herman, 2. Vi Colombe, 3. Carmen Eagle Pipe, 4. Zollie Moran. One-hundred-yard walk – 1. Vi Colombe, 2. Sonya Neck, 3. Carmen Eagle Pipe, 4. Zollie Moran. One quarter mile walk – 1. Vi Colombe, 2. Sonya Neck, 3. Zollie Moran, 4. Carmen Eagle Pipe. Horseshoes: 1. Teddie Rae Herman, 2. Dawn Rae Waln, 3. Edna Little Thunder. Softball throw: 1. Vi Colombe, 2. Zollie Moran, 3. Edna Little Thunder, 4. Carmen Eagle Pipe.
The annual Elder games is a non-political event completely organized by volunteers. The event is held to support an active and healthy lifestyle for elder citizens. The Elder games are possible through the efforts of the Sicangu Elderly Concerns group, St. Francis Indian School, RST Elderly Nutrition staff, RST CHR staff, RST Transportation program as well as all donors and volunteers.
An Elder Appreciation Day is also being tentatively planned for Saturday, June 8, 2024 in Rosebud, South Dakota.
It is always a joy to honor our Lakota elders and show them how much they mean to us.
Sicangu News 