[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text letter_spacing=””]“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”-Harriet Tubman
As mentioned in the last post, we learned that one of the six poles of the tipi structure stands for fortitude. We’ve learned throughout this trip about the oppressive and violent history of the Lakota people. Continuing to fight for their rights, past and present, requires tremendous fortitude and tenacity. On night three, we were fortunate enough to participate in the full moon healing ceremony. In the ceremony, everyone was wiped clean of their past trauma. While sitting in the lodge, we felt a strong sense of community with the Lakota. In addition to leaving with a strong sense of community, we also felt physically, emotionally, and spiritually cleansed.
On the first night in the black hills, Ethleen told us we were welcome to participate in these ceremonies because trauma is not exclusive to one group of people. Ever since then, they have been incredibly welcoming to us and have educated us through numerous conversations.
Reflecting on this, we can see how the Knife Chief have used numerous rituals to provide a sense of community and meaning, not only to us but to the Lakota. The grounding from these traditions seems to provide the tenacity to continue in the Lakota ways amidst the oppression.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]