[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text letter_spacing=””]After most of the girls toughed out a cold night in the tipi, we woke up at around 7, and helped the women in the kitchen serve breakfast and clean up. We then played with the children and some of the boys from the Young Men’s camp (volleyball, soccer, games, etc.). After we had a group conversation, we went and picked several bundles of sage for the ceremonies. When we got back, the kids were canoeing and swimming, so we joined the fun. Later, we had the first of two ceremonies where several men, women, boys and girls were given their Lakota names. When a Lakota person passes into the spirit world, they are called by their ancestors, using their Lakota names, to direct them on a safe journey. We learned that the feathers that were placed on their heads represented the different roles in society for the men and women. The men’s feather represents their history of protecting the innocent, while the women’s plume represents their innate compassion and pity for all living creatures, being closest to the heart. We then went to an inipi. When we got out, we saw the stars shining above us. We walked down to the Bundle Opening Ceremony and each of us were individually cleansed by eagle feathers and sage along with the others from the camp. After multiple attempts by the US government to eradicate the Lakota culture and traditions, they have persevered and passed down traditions that would have been lost without the fortitude that the Lakota people portray. It is no wonder that fortitude (Wacintaka in Lakota) is one of the seven principles/values of the Lakota.
The next day we woke up ready to help! We got ready for the day and went straight to the kitchen to serve breakfast. We then played with the kids and helped to clean up the camp. We had a closing ceremony where the elders talked about their hopes and dreams for the future of the tribe. The elders are very tenacious to start and continue the camp throughout the years, even tough it is difficult to attain the recourses that are needed. We watched the kids, family-by-family, leave the camp. We were able to see that the kids that we have made connections with were the definition of fortitude because of their strength every day despite the adversities they face. We saw two little girls get up with a smile on their face day after day despite the challenging life of living in a tent with their aunt because their parents are no longer able to care for them. After we said our goodbyes (and shed some tears) we too left the sacred Black Hills and traveled down to the reservation. Driving through Pine Ridge we were able to see first hand the fortitude that the Lakota people exhibit. They push themselves every day just to stay alive.
We realized last night, while we were talking, that we too will need fortitude when we return home in order share their stories and what we have learned from our experiences throughout our adventure. The Lakota people have taught us how to be strong and persevere no matter how hard it gets.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]