Greetings, Relatives (Mi-ta-ku-ya-pi)
The Lakota culture describes months according to the Wi (moon). The months also correlate with seasons and events that occur in each specific month. In our Lakota language, the month of April is called Wi-ha-kak-ta-ce-papi Wi. The translation means crack bones on marrow to get fat. The marrow (fat) was necessary to hold the cherries/berries to the dried meat to make wasna which was a food staple. Fat held everything together.
The harvesting of buffalo (tatanka) was so important for survival. A group of Lakota, both male and female, were selected to work as a team to conduct the harvest. The group selected were taught a specific duty, doing their best to prevent spooking the herd, and causing a stampede. Every part of the buffalo was used for food, clothing and shelter.
Pre-colonial Lakota people didn't have sugar. Later, during the period when forts were established, molasses were given as rations. Our staple food was buffalo, elk, deer and antelope meat cooked into soup with root vegetables, like wild turnips and onions. Since Lakota didn't eat three meals a day, wasna was used as a meal. In today’s modern society, wasna has been modified using corn meal, brown sugar, cherries, and doesn’t contain any meat. Our food is prayed over as sustenance and medicine.
Sinte Gleska University’s unique educational mission surrounds our students with opportunities to achieve their educational goals to a better life for themselves, their families and communities. Our Lakota way of life, living and values emphasizes encouragement to an individual’s pathway to success. We are taught individual and family life skills through a family-based approach for survival and success. Much like our ancestors, team work and unity is essential to achieve an individual’s journey to success.
During this time of unforeseen circumstances due to the coronavirus crisis, our classes are not being held face to face. Instead our students are being guided under instruction from teachers, and other student interaction through the use of technology to continue their spring 2020 semester studies.
Please help us through our email fund raising initiative to support our students, faculty and staff to retain a healthy condition by using our cultural values of working in unity as a team to overcome challenges through encouragement, strength and confidence. We encourage your assistance to help our students on their journey to success.
Visit our website at http://www.sgufoundation.org to donate to Sinte Gleska University’s unique mission. Your charitable contribution is greatly appreciated and is tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.
Wo-pi-la, Thank you.