07/12/2024
Last summer, a Lakota elder, collateral descendant of Crazy Horse, joined our Indigenous Youth Voices trip. She shared her language and stories, explaining that the Teton region was an ancestral campsite.
She also shared that the Teton region was one of our ancestral campsites. She explained that the word “Teton” comes from the Lakota word “Thítȟuŋwaŋ,” which means “dwellers of the prairie.” As some Lakotas say, “the prairie is our home.” This connection to the land is also why the Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota nations are collectively known as the .
Additionally, she spoke candidly about her experiences in a , detailing the lasting impact it had on her life. Despite being an elder, she continued to struggle with the trauma inflicted by the assimilation policies. Speaking partly in Lakota, she conveyed the deep pain of abuse suffered by herself and many others.
A few months after the trip, she fell ill due to ongoing health issues. In our last conversation, she confided that she might not have the strength to endure another week-long trip. Her willingness to share her family ties to , her language, and the pain she endured simply for being Lakota, brought her a sense of pride and honor.
We ensure our elders receive a stipend and cover trip costs. Your donation helps us continue to invite and honor elders, preserving their stories and teachings for the next generation. Every dollar donated makes it possible to include these vital voices in our programs, turning the wheel of support into a powerful medicine for all involved.
in , may be wealthy, but the face extreme poverty, highlighting the disparity between the area’s affluence and the conditions experienced by its original inhabitants.
Every contribution helps us create these meaningful experiences for both our youth and our cherished elders. Text ‘Native Youth’ to 44-332 to donate, visit our website and or paypal giving fund. We have a mid-june deadline to secure lodging. Pilamaya yelo.