Tag Archives: Lakota
Rainmaking Around the World
Rainmaking ceremonies are an important cultural tradition for Indigenous people around the world. This tradition is steeped in bringing life-giving water to the earth…
Dream Catchers in Native Cultures
The origin of dream catchers is hard to pinpoint, but they appear likely related to the history of two cultures: the Ojibwe and the Lakota. So, is it cultural appropriation for others to use them?
Storytelling in Native American Cultures
For centuries, us Lakota have carried our past through storytelliing, or oral tradition as we call it. Our stories tell the origin of entire nations, why animals looked or acted the way they did, and where or how entire cultural traditions originated.
Rain Dance, Correcting the Myth
The rain dance is hardly the only misconception that exists about Indian peoples. Sometimes it’s too easy to view all native communities as sharing a single culture..
Native American Beliefs: “The Great Mystery”
Many Native American beliefs — ranging from beliefs about nature and animals, to traditional customs and ceremonies — are cause for discussion among non-Native peoples. Also discussed are the various spiritual and religious beliefs of Native American tribes. I want to speak to one specifically, the Native American belief in “The Great Mystery.” When non-Natives consider “The […]
What International Day of Peace Means to our Tribal Partners
On the International Day of Peace, PWNA partners cite Lakota values and education as a year-round pathway to peace.
Important Books for Better Understanding Native Americans
Do all Indians live in tipis? Where can I find a medicine man who will teach me? What can I learn about Crazy Horse, the man?
Two Worlds: Native Language Meets Technology
Native American language preservation meets technology… The journey that began some seven years ago to save the Wukchumni language reflects all we have been discussing in our “Walking in Two Worlds†blog series.
Leon Hale, Walking in Two Worlds
When I think about the idea of “walking in two worlds,” I consider everything that encompasses. Does it mean that I am two people? Does it mean that I am a fragmented person? Perhaps it means both, or neither. At any rate, I had the honor of visiting with Leon Hale, an elderly man from […]
Mary Mitchell, Walking in Two Worlds
Last week we kicked off our “Walking in Two Worlds” blog series by talking about maintaining physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance in everyday life. Maintaining this kind of balance is critical for Native Americans living one life in two worlds. There is the world of contemporary time and place defined by the mainstream culture, […]