Author Archives: Vi Waln

On my rez, daylight saving time is most commonly known as “time change.” Many people use the phrase “spring forward, fall back” to remember which way to turn the hands on their clocks. We perform this ritual of moving the hands on our clocks twice each year. I always wonder why. Maybe I should beContinue reading “Have you ever tried to explain to a child why the time has to be changed?”

 

What image is conjured when you hear the phrase crabs in a bucket? When I use this phrase in my writing, I use it in reference to my own people. There are many Lakota people who seem to be content in perpetuating a very unhealthy crab in the bucket approach to life. I am notContinue reading “Look in the mirror to see how NOT to act”

It is up each individual to make their life into something. We cannot depend on fate, luck or coincidence. We have to depend on ourselves. All our choices are personal.   I only have this one short life. It will only be as good as I make it. I do want my life to beContinue reading “Do you have a diseased mind?”

  While citizens in Nebraska and all over the USA watched and waited for the decision of Nebraskan Governor Heinman regarding his decision to allow or prevent the Transcanada Keystone XL oil pipeline into ‘his’ state, I cringed, as that mentality is damaging and part of the colonial construct. The Ogllala Aquifer does not acknowledgeContinue reading “SHUT DOWN TARSANDS by Debra White Plume, Feb 16, 2013”

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and several other tribes, recently received money from a tribal trust accounting and management lawsuit. This was a $1 billion dollar settlement which was paid out to several tribes. Rosebud’s share was just over $15 million dollars. The money was placed into a private bank account.   This settlement is oneContinue reading “Are you demanding a $348.26 check?”

October 9, 2011   President Barack Obama The White House Washington, DC   Secretary Hilary Clinton Department of State Washington, DC   Dear President Obama and Secretary Clinton:   Please consider this letter as my written comments on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline expansion. As a human being dependent upon Mother Earth for my sustenance,Continue reading “A Letter to President Obama”

When a family loses a child, it will changes their whole world. It has been nearly 10 years since my Takoja made her journey to the spirit world. Each year, the anniversary date of her passing is always a hard day, no matter how much time has gone by. Her birthday has also always beenContinue reading “The pain of losing a child hurts forever”