Summer school students recently experienced a meaningful lesson in Lakota culture during a visit to the Medicine Wheel Garden at the Aktá Lakota Museum. Guided by Native Studies Instructor LaRayne, students harvested sage and sweetgrass while learning about the traditional teachings and values connected to these sacred plants.
The Medicine Wheel Garden serves as an outdoor classroom where students connect with Lakota culture through hands-on learning. As they carefully gathered the plants, they learned the importance of harvesting with respect and gratitude—taking only what is needed and honoring the gifts of the Creator.
For generations, sage and sweetgrass have held an important place in Lakota life. Sage is traditionally used for purification and prayer, while sweetgrass is often braided and used in ceremonies to represent kindness, healing, and positive intentions. Learning about these plants in their natural habitats helps students to better understand the relationship among the land, cultural traditions, and community.
Experiences like this bring classroom lessons to life, allowing students to learn not only about Lakota traditions but also from the land itself. Through the guidance of their instructors and meaningful cultural experiences, students continue to strengthen their connection to Lakota values and heritage.