WE ARE ALL RELATED
Mitakuye Oyasin
By Silent Voices
Native American Connections Newsletter Lincoln High School, 2900 S Cliff Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 367-7990 • www.sf.k12.sd.us/lincoln/home
November 2019
Volume 3, Issue 2
Veterans Day Honors Service to Country
Class Learns About Native Culture
Day of Remembrance for New and Fallen Heroes
Teacher Steps Outside of Content Area
By Isabel Ferguson Staff Writer Veterans Day honors those who have served our country. It celebrates those who are retired members, active duty service members, and reserve members. There are five branches of the military: army, air force, navy, coast guard, and marines. Each of these have a specific purpose and mission. According to History.com, Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day and was a holiday meant to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in service to our country. It originated on November 11, 1919, on the 1-year anniversary of the end of World War I. The November 11 date is significant as it honors the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 that signaled the end of World War I. In 1954, President Eisenhower renamed the day to Veterans Day. Individuals who join the military have different reasons for joining. Sometimes there are significant world events that impact people of all cultures that call them to serve their country. Henry Goodface was a senior in high school when the terrorist attacks took place on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. He joined the Marine Corps because of those attacks. He had many family members who were also in the military. He served three tours of duty in support of Operation Iraq Photo courtesy of Henry Goodface Freedom in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, and one tour of duty in As a member of the Marine Corps, Henry support of Operation Enduring Goodface served his country overseas in three military operations in support of Freedom in southern Helmand other countries’ fights for freedom. He left Province, Afghanistan. He was the military after eight years, and now lives overseas from 2005 through and works in Sioux Falls. 2009, and on active duty with the Marine Corps from 2002 to 2010. “My most powerful memories of this time are the good times I spent with my friends,” Goodface said, “If you’re considering the military keep your honor clean and never accept defeat.” (continued on Page 4, Military)
By Isabel Ferguson and Jahnessah Rondell Staff Writers Native American Day made a substantial impact on Mr. Bogart’s first-period English students. Many of his students were going to be absent on October 14, celebrating Native American day in Sioux Falls. This created a unique learning opportunity for the rest of his English class members. The students remaining in Mr. Bogart’s class explored the Native American culture Photo by Noah Whiteshirt through reading Mr. Bogart teaches English in the and videos. “[I Freshman Academy at Lincoln. He taught about Native had his students learn about Native culture on Native culture] because American Day in his English I most of my Native classes. American students were going to be gone that day. So, I asked my students who were going to be gone what they wanted the class to learn about, and they said, ‘their culture.’ So, I talked to Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Kolb about what I could teach the students. They sent me videos and one of their newsletters. The video on Lakota Star Knowledge personally interested me, and so I had the students watch it,” Bogart said. Mr. Bogart felt that there was a connection between the Lakota Star Knowledge and the Greek myths and legends. “I have always been interested in Greek myths and legends. I liked how these two things on opposite ends of the world could be so similar. Another thing I liked was that we didn’t need to go to the other end of the world to learn this because it is already here.” Bogart said. (continued on Page 2, Culture)
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Thanksgiving Proclaimed Holiday in 1860
Culture Leaves Impressions on Students
Native Americans Helped Pilgrims Survive
Students who were a part of the class had the opportunity to explore a culture that is rarely studied in the curriculum. “I liked [learning about Native culture] because I got to learn about another culture, and how they tell their stories,” freshman Landen Rinder said. Students who were in Mr. Landen Rinder Bogart’s class had the unique opportunity to learn about a culture that is prevalent in their school and state. It was a class period dedicated to this culture, which was honored on Native American Day. “The video was very interesting,” freshman Skyler McLean said, “I was happy to learn a little more about some of my friend’s culture. I was very interested in how they talk, how they live everyday life, and how close they are with their family.” South Dakota is one of Skyler McLean ten states that celebrate the indigenous people with a holiday. California was the first state to make this change with legislation in 1939. South Dakota, Maine, New Mexico and Vermont are the only states that celebrate Native American Day in place of Columbus Day.
By Marissa BrudelieGonzalez and Kristin Hinman Staff Writers Thanksgiving Day is defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary as, “a public acknowledgement or celebration of divine goodness, the act of giving thanks, and a prayer of expressing gratitude.” Many people celebrate this day in the traditional form of abundance of food and gathering of family. But what were the circumstances that brought about this day as a legal holiday? According to History.com the common belief is that the beginnings to modern-day Thanksgiving began when the Mayflower’s passengers came ashore on the coast of Cape Cod. An Abenaki Indian greeted them there; several days later, he came back with Squanto, who was a member of the Pawtuxet tribe. The Mayflower’s crew was exposed to diseases and outbreaks when they were offshore and were ill and weak. Squanto taught “It means a day when the family the Pilgrims how to grow gathers together, and we have and search for food. He also taught them to avoid dinner and hang out all day.” poisonous plants. — Rawhide Hulit, 9 It was because of Squanto's guidance that there was a successful corn harvest. The governor of the colony organized a celebration in recognition of the bountiful harvest. In 1621, a commemoration was held. Invited to the event were Native Americans and the Wampanoag chief. While there is no record of this event taking place again, it is often credited as the beginning of the Thanksgiving holiday. There were actually many “Thanksgivings” declared by multiple presidents throughout history as a day of “gratitude” for military victories, and as a celebration of the newly formed United States. It wasn't until 1860 that Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving to be a national holiday, which gave way to the modern-day holiday. Families celebrate together by having large meals and watching football. Students and staff at Lincoln each viewed the holiday differently. The most common theme amongst those surveyed was gathering together as a family and sharing a meal. “Thanksgiving means to me a time to gather with my family and be thankful for what we have, what we have been given, and what's around us. It's one of my favorite holidays because there isn't a lot of pressure to do anything, except be together and eat," English teacher Cindy Cummins said. The focus of Thanksgiving for most is family, the gratitude they feel for them, and the time they get to spend with them. For Freshman Academy Director Josh Smith, the holiday centers around family, "For me, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to get together with my family. We have this great time where we eat a lot of food, we visit and come together. We have fellowship and demonstrate our thankfulness for our lives and the blessings we have as a family. We celebrate with extended family like grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and sometimes friends,” Smith said.
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Historical Calendar of Events Compiled by Elizabeth Marks
November November: National American Indian Month November 2: Sacagawea meets Lewis and Clark November 25: The U.S. took retaliatory action for the Battle of Little Bighorn against the Cheyenne. November 29: Sand Creek Massacre November 1811: U.S. forces attack on Native American War Chief Tecumseh and his younger brother Lalawethika.
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Native American Day Observed with Parade
Native Heritage Recognized
Lincoln Students Participated in Annual Event
November Honors Culture
By Jahnessah Rondell Staff Writer On October 14, in downtown Sioux Falls, the 2nd annual Native American Day parade was held. Native American students from all over the state came to celebrate their culture. In addition to the parade, there were activities which included storytellers, a shared meal, and a powwow. About 29 years ago, South Dakota became the first state to change Columbus Day to Native American Day. It started in the 1990s when reigning Governor George Mickelson asked the Photo courtesy of Ben Schumacher legislature Students ride on the float they built for the Native American Day Parade. to name Students carried out the theme by displaying traditional pieces of their culture and connecting to the crowd by handing out candy favors with 1990 as a Lakota words attached. year of reconciliation and to change Columbus Day to Native American Day. Since then, Native American Day has been celebrated in place of Columbus Day. The first parade wasn't held until October 14, 2018. Lincoln and Washington High School students participated in the parade by entering floats they built and marching in the parade. Many students wore traditional Native regalia for the parade in honor of their culture and attended events throughout the day. The floats were designed by the students to reflect the theme of the parade. They worked on the float after-school in the automotive shop, completing the float in three days. The finishing touches to the float were completed during the parade lineup. Students connected to the parade attendees by handing out candy favors. Attached to the favors were paper feathers, which had Lakota words written on the feather, and these included an English translation of the Lakota word. Students look forward to the Native American Day parade because it gives them a chance to connect to the community. This annual event is anticipated by students. Students look forward to planning, creating and entering the float into the parade. The parade has different meanings for each individual, but most students like to share their culture. “[I look forward to the parade] because we celebrate our culture,� sophomore Delicia Rouse said. The parade is just one of the ways Sioux Falls celebrates Native Americans on Native American day.
By Isabel Ferguson Staff Writer On August 3, 1990, George H.W. Bush declared the month of November as Native American Indian Heritage Month, most commonly known as Native American Heritage Month. Native American Heritage month started in the 20th century because people wanted a month to celebrate the Native Americans who were the original inhabitants of what is now the United States. They wanted to honor the contributions, achievements, sacrifices, and the cultural and historical legacy of the original inhabitants of the United States. Students at Lincoln High School put together a display in the library of books that represent their culture. These books tell the history and culture of Native Americans. Included in the display are the flags for the tribes of South Dakota. Students also placed a star quilt in their display. While there is not Photo by Isabel Ferguson a state-wide Lancelot Wells, 9 and Hanwi Red Willow, 9 work on a display in the library. Students festival for selected books about their history and Native culture and displayed the tribal flags in honor American of Native American Heritage Month. Heritage Month in South Dakota, there are some events around the state. The Siouxland library branches in Sioux Falls are celebrating through a variety of events. These events include a performance from the Roosevelt High School Native American drumming group, crafting dream catchers, weaving, a Lakota language class, tipi construction, storytelling, and singing. The Native Student Services at the University of South Dakota (USD) in Vermillion are hosting a series of events for the month. These events include lectures, workshops, films, a Round Dance social, a harvest potluck, and a community quilting project. (continued on Page 6, Events)
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Military Service Creates Memories and Bonds
Papal Bull Impacts the Indigenous
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Outcome Still Prevalent in Lives Today By Isabel Ferguson and Jahnessah Rondell Staff Writers
As of 2018, there were 18.2 million living veterans who have served in at least one war, included in this number are approximately 140,000 Native American veterans. Native American service goes back as far as the Revolutionary and Civil War, which was before Native Americans were recognized as U.S. citizens. It was estimated that 12,000 Native Americans served in World War I, yet they were not recognized as citizens and 42,000 served in the Vietnam War. After 9/11 the percentage of Native Americans serving in the armed forces was approximately 19 percent compared to 14 percent for other ethnicities. There are many different reasons that individuals join the military, whether it is a family tradition or strong personal belief in the duty to serve one’s country, serving takes dedication by both the individual serving and that person’s family. Darrick Redwing joined the Army National Guard for educational assistance for college and extra income. He served in Iraq from 2003 to 2005. He has been a member for 12 years, three of these years were spent in active duty with the Army National Guard. “The fellowship of the soldiers I spent time with is my most powerful memory. Though you may drift apart, they will always be your brothers in arms,” Redwing Photo courtesy of Darrick Redwing said, “If you want to join the Darrick Redwing joined the Army National military talk it over with your Guard after graduating from high school. family. When you are serving; He has been a member of the military for 12 your family serves with you as years. your support system.” On Veterans Day 2020, a National Native American Veterans Memorial will be opened on the grounds of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian to honor American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian service men and women. Regardless of the reason for joining the military, it is a selfless act that is put forth to protect and defend our country by those that serve.
Learn Lakota Compiled by Jahnessah Rondell
English: Pumpkin – Lakota: Wagmu (wahg - mue) English: Thanks – Lakota: Pilamaye (pee - lah - mah - yeh) English: Autumn – Lakota: Ptanyetu (P - dahn - yeh - due) English: Acorn – Lakota: Uta (ue - dah)
(Editor’s Note: The information for this article came from the book “Columbus: His Enterprise Exploding the Myth”. The book is read in the Native American Connections class.)
What significant role did the Papal Bull of 1493 play in the lives of indigenous people of the western hemisphere? A papal bull is a public decree signed by the reigning Pope. On May 4, 1493, Pope Alexander VI signed the papal bull called the Inter Caetera. The intent and thus the outcome of the Inter Caetera and the Treaty of Tordesillas was to give Spain total rights to take possession of all lands and trades west of the line of demarcation. The Papal Bull of 1493 allowed anyone that “discovered” new lands to take the land in the name of Spain if the inhabitants were not Christians. With the financial support of the Queen and King of Spain and the Papal Bull of 1493, Columbus’ second voyage to the western hemisphere found him at Island Carib (Caribbean Islands). When Columbus reached what is now the Bahamas, approximately 50,000 Arawaks were inhabiting the island. By 1550, there were 500, and by 1650 none of the Arawaks or their descendants were left on the island. The Papal Bull of 1493 set the groundwork for the Doctrine of Discovery that allowed the taking of any lands inhabited by indigenous people. The Doctrine of Discovery was written to separate church and state. In a Supreme Court case, Johnson v. M’Intosh, 1823, the Doctrine of Discovery became part of U.S. Federal law. The writing of Chief Justice Marshall states, “that the principle of discovery gave European nations an absolute right to the New World lands and Native peoples certain rights of occupancy``. In a case study of Johnson v. M’Intosh on the Columbia University website, the Justice further explained, “The potentates of the old world found no difficulty in convincing themselves that they made ample compensation to the inhabitants of the new, by bestowing on them civilization and Christianity, in exchange for unlimited independence.” The impact of this ruling is that Native Americans only have the right of occupancy and can only sell their land to the United States government. Natives Americans continue to fight to have the Doctrine of Discovery repealed.
Mitakuye Oyasin
Sacred Beings Tell Native Creation Story Beings Created Companions to Ease Loneliness By Naven Foote Editor
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Wacipis are Rich in Tradition Ancestors are Honored During Events By Noah Whiteshirt and David Goings III Staff Writers
(Editor’s Note: The Lakota origin story will be a multiple part series.)
In the beginning, there was only Inyan (een - yawn), and Hanhepi (hawn - hep - ee), the darkness. Inyan was soft and without shape, and he held all of the powers within his blood. He became bored and wished to exercise his powers, so he cut open his veins and allowed his blood to flow, creating a great disk which would be Maka (mah - kah), the earth. All of his blood drained from him and he became hard and brittle, becoming a part of Maka; creating mountains, hills and rocks on her surface. His blood became the waters, the powers within his blood left the waters and created Skan (shkawn), the sky. Skan then became the judge of all things, because he had the powers. Maka complained and complained, which caused Wi (wee) to be created, being placed above Skan. The four Sacred Beings were completed. The beings were lonely and longed for companions, so Skan gave each of them the power to create companions of their own. Maka created her companion Unk (oonk), but she became jealous of her new companion’s beauty and threw her into the waters. Wi created Hanwi (hawn - wee), the moon, and they governed the night and day together. Skan created Tate (taw - taye), the wind, to be his messenger. Inyan created Wakinyan (wahk - een - yawn), who controlled the storms. Inyan was so pleased with Wakinyan that he created a son with him. He was born from a giant egg and had a strange shape. His name was Ksa (keh - sah) and he was wisdom. Unk went to Inyan to tell about her misfortunes, and Inyan fell in love with her looks. He had a son with her who would be named Iya (ee yah), Ibom (ee - bom), and Tokapa (doe - kah - pah). He was the cyclone. Unk was pleased with him, so she had another son with her son. Because of this, Inyan left Unk and returned to Wakinyan. This son was named Gnaski (geh - nash - kee), the demon.
Words of Wisdom “Inside of me there are two dogs. One is mean and evil and the other is good, and they fight each other all the time. When asked which one wins, I answer, the one I feed the most.” —Sitting Bull
The beating of drums, Native singing, the rumbling of footsteps across the ground, so begins a traditional event for Native Americans: a wacipi. Wacipis (powwows) originated from the Algonquian tribes, which were the northernmost Native tribes. Wacipis commemorate major occasions, such as Veterans Day, social awareness events, such as cancer fundraisers, or social gatherings. These are typically day-long events but may last up to a week for a major occasion. Native Americans build relationships with family members, with their tribe, and with other tribes during these events. A wacipi opens with a Grand Entry where flag bearers, Tribal Chiefs, wacipi royalty, elders, event organizers, male dancers, and women dancers enter the arena forming a circle. This circle symbolizes the circle of life and brings the members closer together. On the exterior of the circle are the drummers who will sing and drum throughout the wacipi. “A wacipi allows us The Tribal to honor and dance Flags, with our ancestors.” Wacipi Flag, —Everett Shangreaux, 9 U.S. Flag, and Eagle Staffs for each nation present are carried into the arena by veterans. During the Grand Entry, the proper protocol is for everyone to stand until the opening ceremony has been completed. The opening ceremony begins after everyone who is a part of the Grand Entry has entered the circle. A song is then sung to honor the flag and the veterans. After the song, a prayer is spoken in the Native language. Once the opening ceremony has concluded, the dancing and singing resume with a few sessions of round dances. Throughout the wacipi, there is drumming, praying, singing, dancing, and a meal. Important elements of the wacipi are the drum, the Eagle Staffs, and the songs. Each element has significance, the drum is the “heartbeat” of the people, the Eagle Staff honors the ancestors of the tribes, and the songs address war, social issues, and spirituality. (continued on Page 6, Dance)
Mitakuye Oyasin
Page 6 Dance Competitions Showcase Talents
Editor’s Corner Native American Heritage Month Dispels Myths By Naven Foote Editor
Native American Heritage Month is an important time for many indigenous people. It started as a week-long celebration that spanned from November 23rd to November 30th. Since 1995, every president has proclaimed November to be National Native American Heritage Month. It is a month to commemorate the contributions and achievements of Native Americans. I believe this month is important because it recognizes indigenous people for their successes and sacrifices, which wasn’t a popular thing to do years ago. It encourages the acknowledgment of indigenous people in ways that support ideas that aren’t stereotypical of indigenous people, e.g., the idea that we are lazy, dirty addicts. It results in the recognition of Native American poetry, songs, and literature. November also commemorates the indigenous veterans who have served their country. This month allows the recognition of the rich cultures within the many nations throughout the United States. Rather than only acknowledging the headdress-bearing or the buffalo-hunting nations, it encourages the opportunity to learn about the fishing nations, such as the Salish tribe. It also brings attention to the tribes who lived in hogans, like the Navajo people, as well as other indigenous people. It aids in the elimination of the stereotype that all indigenous people are the same. I would encourage you to reach out and get to know Native American people that you may have contact with to learn about their culture. Take a chance to get to know them for who they are and not for what you may perceive them to be. You may find your life enriched and gain a new friendship in the process.
Mitakuye Oyasin Editors: Naven Foote and Shalaina Ziegler Writers: Isabel Ferguson, Jahnessah Rondell, Marissa BrudelieGonzalez, Noah Whiteshirt, David Goings III, Kristin Hinman, Elizabeth Marks Nameplate Designer: Rawhide Hulit Advisers: Janet Fleming-Martin and Janet Kolb Principal: Dr. Laura Raeder Mitakuye Oyasin is a monthly newsletter which covers topics taught in the Native American Connections class. The newsletter is produced in the Visual Communications class.
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Various tribes will share their songs, Songs are changed often so different tribes can join the singing. Many wacipis host dance competitions in which tribe members dress in traditional regalia and compete against each other for prizes based on dance style and age categories. While dances vary based on the organizer of the event, dances performed may include jingle dress dance, intertribal Photo courtesy of Ilea Joseph dance, fancy dance (men and Ilea Joseph is a member of the Wacipi Royalty for the Isanti women), grass Powwow in Santee, Nebraska. She dance, and is royalty for the Miss age group traditional and will hold the title until 2020. dance (men and Joseph is a sophomore at Lincoln High School. women). Modern-day wacipis signify and embody the spirit and continuity of Native American people and their culture.
Events Showcase Artistic Talents (continued from Page 6)
South Dakota State University's (SDSU) American Indian Student Center is hosting a book display, a hand games tournament, an AlterNATIVE Thanksgiving, and a showing of the film, More Than Frybread. These events are staggered throughout the month. There are many events held across the nation in recognition of Native American Heritage Month to honor ancestors, practice traditions, and to share history and culture. The Blackfeet festival is one such event that is held at the National Museum of the American Indian at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The two-day festival celebrates the Blackfeet culture through performance demonstrations. Artists and historians show traditional artistic creations, such as beadwork, carvings, and pottery.