Anpetu Waste (Good Day):
Since our last email we have observed the winter solstice. In the Lakota culture, the Winter Solstice occurs on December 21st signifying the beginning of Winter. This also shows the star constellations in relevance to many ceremonies being conducted by the constellations. This is the time when different tribes have different rites. During the Winter of the night sky, the constellations include the Nape constellation (talks about generosity and power of balance told in stories), constellation of Mato Tipila (Bears Lodge also known as Devil’s Tower in which stories of the Sundance are told), and the constellation of HeSapa (Black Hills) which is called Ki Inyanka Ocanku (The Sacred Hoop which talks about the Buffalo Constellation and how life works). Please visit the following link to read a legend titled How Bear Lost His Tail.
http://www.sintegleska.edu/lakotastories.html
January is the month of Wiotehika Wi (Hard Moon). It is considered to be a time of hardship due to the cold (osni) weather. Lakota people kept busy during the winter months in preparation for the coming year. The tiospaye’s village historian recorded memorable events for the people (Oyate) to utilize and reflect for survival throughout the coming year.
In more exciting news, Sinte Gleska University (SGU) begins its 50th year of existence providing post-secondary education on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. SGU was established 50 years ago in December of 1970 to provide students the support through a unique cultural, academic experience to envision a career, a positive future and a productive life for themselves, their families and community.
SGU received its tribal charter in January of 1971. The tribal charter grants SGU the right and authority to grant degrees to those students who complete the required courses of study. The authority of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe to grant such a charter is set out in the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Constitution, which was adopted pursuant to the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934.
You are invited to be a part of our Sinte Gleska University family by supporting our students through scholarships. Any contribution will help continue our important educational work for student development and help us to preserve and interpret our evolving Lakota history, language and culture. Your charitable contribution is greatly appreciated and is tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.
Wopila Tanka
Wilma Bearshield-Robertson