Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

The Quilt — Owíŋza Exhibit
2022-06-13 - 2022-12-02 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
The Quilt – Owíŋža exhibit features quilts from 1893 to contemporary that are in the Aktá Lakota Museum’s private collection.
These quilts are a testament to the powerful tradition, aesthetic, artisanship, and resiliency of the Lakota culture. When the buffalo was at the center of Lakota life, beautifully decorated hides, often with striking circular patterns, were common. As colonialism brought about the near-extinction of the buffalo, the Lakota turned to quilt-making to replace many of the functions — both utilitarian and ceremonial — that hides performed.
The star quilt held special appeal because of its circular pattern and rhythmic repetition. “Everything the power of the world does is done in a circle,” said Lakota spiritual leader Black Elk, expressing the centrality of the circle to Lakota thought. Today the star quilt is often the centerpiece in Lakota celebrations and ceremonies. The exhibit will be on display through the end of the year.

Holiday Open House!
2022-11-26 09:00 - 15:00 (America/North_Dakota/Center) | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
30% off storewide!
Door Prizes • Free Gifts • Refreshments
Open 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Festival of Trees
2022-12-05 09:00 - 2022-12-30 17:00 | Brule County Courthouse, 300 S Courtland St, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
The museum is participating in the community Festival of Tress with a Giving Tree. Our tree is located at the Brule County Courthouse with mittens and dreamcatchers available for visitors to take and/or share with a friend or loved one. https://aktalakota.stjo.org/event/festival-of-trees/

Merry Christmas — Christ Tuŋpí!
2022-12-23 08:00 - 2022-12-26 17:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
The museum will be closed December 23-26, 2022, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Happy New Year!
2023-01-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Ómaka Téca Oíyokipi — Happy New Year!
The museum will be closed on January 2, 2023, in observance of the New Year!

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁ Greet the Dawn
2023-06-06 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Story Time is offered every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CST. The program is geared toward elementary-age children but children young and old will enjoy stories read by elders of the Lakota and Dakota communities. Today our story is Greet the Dawn: The Lakota Way written and illustrated by S.D. Nelson. A cultural activity will follow the reading.
About the story: S. D. Nelson offers young readers wonder and happiness as a better way of appreciating their culture and surroundings. His artwork fuses elements of modern with traditional. Above all, he urges each of us to seize the opportunity that dawn offers each day.
The event is free and open to everyone – come join the fun!
June Schedule

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁMní Kin Ówaŋča
2023-06-13 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Story Time is offered every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CST. The program is geared toward elementary-age children but children young and old will enjoy stories read by elders of the Lakota and Dakota communities. Our story today is Mní Kin Ówaŋča – Water is Everywhere read by Uŋčí LaRayne. The story is written by the Lakota Language Consortium and illustrated by Marty Two Bulls.
About the story: This early reader is one of four picture books from the Lakota Language Consortium Science Series. As a beginner science book, it introduces young readers and listeners to facts and words related to water.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The program is free and open to everyone!
June Schedule

Navigating NarrativesThe Corps of Discovery in Teton Territory
2023-06-19 - 2023-10-31 | SD
Navigating Narratives
The Corps of Discovery in Teton Territory
Navigating Narratives is the newest exhibition by the Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies (CAIRNS).
The exhibit focuses on the eight days in September of 1804 when the Corps of Discovery traveled up the Missouri River through the land of the Teton people. It closely examines the published journals of William Clark, Patrick Gass, John Ordway, and Joseph Whitehouse through the amazing artworks of sounds, words, and imagery by over sixty South Dakotan artists.
More than sixty artists, poets, and musicians read the journal entries of Clark, Gass, Ordway, and Whitehouse, and then created new works that are tied to them in some way. Their paintings, poems, and songs comprised this new educational art exhibition, curated by CAIRNS.
The exhibition opened at the Aktá Lakota Museum on June 19 and runs through October; an artist reception and exhibit presentation was held on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Make plans to visit! The museum is free and open to everyone!

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁMatȟóla Ločhíŋ-he
2023-06-20 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Story Time is offered every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CST. The program is geared toward elementary-age children but children young and old will enjoy stories read by elders of the Lakota and Dakota communities. Today our story is Matȟóla Ločhíŋ-he – Little Bear is Hungry. Written by the 9th-grade students at the Dupree High School Lakota Class (2020-2021) and illustrated by Tammy Joy Granados, Cheyenne River Lakota.
About the story: Little Bear is Hungry is about a hungry little boy. What did Mom cook today? Is it deer meat, pizza, hot dogs, lasagna, or a surprise?! This fun story practices questions and answers and ends with a traditional Lakota recipe for buffalo soup. https://bit.ly/3qqFTAY
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – come join the fun!
June Schedule

Navigating Narratives ExhibitOpening Reception
2023-06-24 14:00 - 17:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Navigating Narratives
The Corps of Discovery in Teton Territory
Opening Reception • June 24, 2023 • 2 — 5 pm
The Aktá Lakota Museum cordially invites you to celebrate the opening of our newest exhibit, Navigating Narratives developed by the Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies (CAIRNS) on June 24, 2023.
2:00 PM Curators Opening Remarks, David Meyer III, ALM Assistant Curator
2:15 PM Introduction of attending artists, Craig Howe, Director of CAIRNS
2:30 PM Gallery Talk, Craig Howe, Director of CAIRNS
4:00 PM Explore the exhibit; enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
Make plans to attend. The event is free and open to everyone.

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁTATANKA and the LAKOTA PEOPLE
2023-06-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Story Time is offered every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CST. The program is geared toward elementary-age children but children young and old will enjoy stories read by elders of the Lakota and Dakota communities.
Today our story is TATANKA and the LAKOTA PEOPLE: A CREATION STORY, written and illustrated by Donald F. Montileaux, Oglala Lakota.
About the story: Presented in Lakota as well as in English, this book describes the Lakotas’ creation, the trickery that caused them to move from the Underworld, and their ultimate survival in this world. Its dynamic color illustrations by Lakota artist Donald F. Montileaux are full of familiar characters, including not only Tatanka the Holy Man but also the Great Spirits and Iktomi the Spider. Together, the words and pictures capture the imagination of children and the interest of adults.
The book includes an introduction and a concluding note from the illustrator, discussing his illustrations and their connection with traditional buffalo-hide paintings.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – come join the fun!
July Schedule

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁThe Pine Ridge Porcupine
2023-07-11 10:30 - 23:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Story Time is offered every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CST. The program is geared toward elementary-age children but children young and old will enjoy stories read by elders of the Lakota and Dakota communities.
Today our story is The Pine Ridge Porcupine written in 1942 by Ann Nolan Clark and illustrated by Andrew Standing Solider, Oglala Lakota.
About the story: A charming bilingual story written in 1942 about the adventures of the Pine Ridge Porcupine. P.R. Porcupine grew up in a loving home with his mother and three siblings. The P.R. learned at an early age that he was different from his three siblings. He had aggressive behavior and was always looking for trouble. His mother was proud of him but not so proud of his manners. With gentle guidance from his mother P.R. Porcupine learns to channel his gifts in efforts to help others.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – come join the fun!
July Schedule

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁThe First Fire
2023-07-18 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Story Time is offered every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CST. The program is geared toward elementary-age children but children young and old will enjoy stories read by elders of the Lakota and Dakota communities.
Today our story is The First Fire: A Cherokee Story written by Brad Wagnon and illustrated by Alex Stephenson.
About the story: The First Fire, A Cherokee Story takes place in a time when animals could do many of the things that people do. The Creator gave the animals the world to live in, but they were without a source of heat at night. Great Thunder and his sons saw the plight of the animals, so he sent lightning down to strike a tree. The tree burst into flames but the tree was on an island. Many animals tried to bring the fire over the water to the shore, but they were all unsuccessful. Then one small creature, Water Spider, volunteered. Curious, the animals said to her “We know you could get there safely, but how would you bring the fire back without getting burned?” Water Spider was successful and to this day the water spider is revered in Cherokee culture.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – come join the fun!
July Schedule

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁMuskrat and Skunk
2023-07-25 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Story Time is offered every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CST. The program is geared toward elementary-age children but children young and old will enjoy stories read by elders of the Lakota and Dakota communities.
Today our story is Muskrat and Skunk / Siŋkpé na Maká: A Lakota Drum Story. Told and illustrated by Donald F. Montiieaux; Lakota Translation by Agnes Gay.
About the story: THUMP! BOOM! BAM! Animals stop and listen. A new sound is in the forest. The beat vibrates through the trees and across the meadows. What is it? Where is it coming from?
Muskrat and Skunk thump on a hollow log—BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Birds begin to dance. Buffalo and Antelope join in. There is a rustle in the bushes; a large shape emerges. The animals scatter. Muskrat and Skunk drum on.
The story of the drum connects the instrument’s sound to the heartbeat of Mother Earth—a beat inside all of us. For the Lakota people, the drum is more than something to be played. Its rhythm is felt, and it is central to many ceremonies.
Donald F. Montileaux retells the origins of the drum, using traditional stories that Lakota people still tell today. His colorful images breathe life into Muskrat and Skunk, enhancing our understanding of the Lakota culture.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – come join the fun!

Scott Woster Book Signing
2023-09-02 10:30 - 12:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Be among the first to get your signed copy of Brave Girl: A Story on the Wind at the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, on the campus of St. Joseph’s Indian School, on Saturday, September 2 from 10.30 am until noon. Everyone is invited to attend. The event is free and open to everyone!

47TH ANNUAL WAČÍPI - POWWOW
2023-09-14 - 2023-09-16 | St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Each year, St. Joseph’s hosts an annual weekend of Lakota culture on our Chamberlain, South Dakota campus. For Full Event Details and Updates Visit www.stjo.org/powwow
Thursday, September 14, 2023
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Guest Registration is required only once upon arrival (Nagel Business Office)
5:00 pm: Meet and Greet (Rec Center)
Friday, September 15, 2023
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Guest Registration for new arrivals (Nagel Business Office)
9:15 am – 11:30 am: Cultural Activities (Rec Center and Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center)
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Food Truck (Wisdom Circle)
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Equine Therapy Open House
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: School and Health Center Open House
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm: Cultural Performance (Rec Center)
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Tiyóšpaye Banquet (Arrowwood Resort)
Saturday, September 16, 2023
8:30 am – Noon: Guest Registration for new arrivals (Nagel Business Office)
9:00 am – 11:00 am: Homes & Chapel Open House
11:30 am: Grass Flattening/Powwow Grounds Blessing
Noon: Grand Entry & Powwow
5:00 pm: Mass at Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel
5:30 pm: Complimentary Meal (Picnic Pavilion) Powwow prizes awarded after.

Wóyake: Language in Lakota Art
2023-11-13 00:00 - 2024-02-29 00:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Open November 13, 2023 – April 30, 2024
Wóyake: Language in Lakota Art exhibit shares paintings and works that express wóyake the act of storytelling through words.
Wóyake a Lakota verb signifies the act of storytelling, relating, speaking, or expressing through words. The artworks for this exhibit are gleaned from the Aktá Lakota Museum’s permanent Collections and emphasize the connection of visual imagery and written work in Lakota art.
Experience a merging of works by Lakota artists Arthur Amiotte, Roger Broer, Keith Braveheart, Angela Babby, Dyani White Hawk, Nathaniel Ruleaux and more.

Opening Reception
2023-11-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
The Aktá Lakota Museum cordially invites you to celebrate the opening of our newest exhibit, Wóyake: Language in Lakota Art curated by David A. Meyer II.
The exhibit shares paintings and works that express wóyake the act of storytelling through words.
Artworks for this exhibit are gleaned from the Aktá Lakota Museum’s permanent Collections and emphasize the connection of visual imagery and written work in Lakota art.
Experience a merging of works by Lakota artists Arthur Amiotte, Roger Broer, Keith Braveheart, Angela Babby, Dyani White Hawk, Nathaniel Ruleaux, and more.
4:00 PM Opening Remarks, David A. Meyer II, ALM Assistant Curator
5:00 PM Explore the exhibit; enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
Make plans to attend. The event is free and open to everyone.

Poetry on the Road!
2023-11-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
The South Dakota State Poetry Society is taking poetry on the road, and it is stopping at the museum!
South Dakota’s State Poet Laureate, Bruce Roseland, along with other SDSPS member poets and special guests, will be visiting the Aktá Lakota Museum on November 16, 2023, from 6—8 p.m. They will give poetry readings and host an open mic where YOU can sign up to read your own original poems!
By bringing poetry to people around our state, Poetry on the Road helps SDSPS fulfill its mission to “foster the creation and appreciation of poetry that appeals to the senses, challenges the imagination, and stimulates creative and intellectual thought.”
All are welcome to attend this FREE event. Light refreshments are provided. Come and hear some great poetry, find out more about SDSPS, and meet some of the amazing poets right here in our state!
See the complete schedule.
SDSPS’s Poetry on the Road is brought to you by the South Dakota State Poetry Society, the South Dakota Humanities Council, and many local sponsors.

Holiday Open House!
2023-11-25 09:00 - 15:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Support Small Businesses by joining us on Saturday, November 25 for our annual Holiday Open House! Shoppers will enjoy a 30% storewide discount. We will be offering a craft project for the kiddos and refreshments. All visitors are encouraged to sign up for door prize drawings— no purchase is necessary!
Support our artists by shopping locally! This is a one-day-only event!

Wóyake: Language in Lakota Art
2024-04-01 08:00 - 2024-10-31 17:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
On Exhibit Now!
Curated by David A. Meyer II
Aktá Lakota Museum Assistant Curator
The “Wóyake: Language in Lakota Art” exhibit features a stunning collection of paintings and artworks that celebrate the act of storytelling through words.
From the Winter Count pictograph’s silent narrative to pieces that incorporate written words, the exhibit highlights the versatility of the Lakota language in various forms of expression, each with a distinct linguistic approach. “Wóyake,” the exhibit’s title, means storytelling through verbal expression in Lakota.
Curated by Meyer from the museum’s collection, it features works by renowned artists such as Arthur Amiotte, Roger Broer, Keith BraveHeart, Dyani White Hawk, Nathaniel Ruleaux, and Dakota Hoska. Meyer adds, “Wóyake is a powerful testament to the resilience of a people who are determined to ensure their language and heritage is celebrated for generations to come.”

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁThe Cottonwood Sings
2024-06-04 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is The Cottonwood Sings. Written and illustrated by Alfreda Beartack-Algeo, Lakota.
Published by 7th Generation. (May 2023)
About the story: The Cottonwood Sings is the delightful story of the lovely Hunku (First Woman), who was immortal and never aged. The animals and plants loved her, but Hunku was lonely. Every day she would go to the riverbank and cry herself to sleep. Beaver, who lived in the river, fell in love with the beautiful Hunku and begged the Great Spirit to turn him into a man. The Great Spirit agreed, and Beaver became Takahe (First Man), but the Great Spirit told him that one day he would have to go back to being Beaver. Hunku and Takahe enjoyed their life together, and they had four beautiful daughters. The day finally came when Beaver had to return to the river. Hunku missed her companion and asked the Great Spirit to turn her into a tree so she could always be close to Beaver. The Great Spirit agreed to her request, and to this day you will find cottonwood trees living near bodies of water and beavers living near cottonwood trees.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁTatanka and the Lakota People
2024-06-11 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is A Creation Story: Tatanka and the Lakota People. Illustrated by Donald F. Montileaux, Lakota. Published by the South Dakota State Historical Society; Bilingual edition. (May 2009)
About the story: Tatanka and the Lakota People is part of the Lakota creation legend and is based on centuries of storytelling. The story tells how the buffalo came to live with the Lakotas so that they would have life-sustaining food, shelter, and clothing.
Presented in Lakota as well as in English, the book describes the Lakota’s creation, the trickery that caused them to move from the Underworld, and their ultimate survival in this world. Its dynamic color illustrations by Lakota artist Donald F. Montileaux are full of familiar characters, including not only Tatanka the Holy Man but also the Great Spirits and Iktomi the Spider. Together, the words and pictures capture the imagination of children and the interest of adults.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁFar From The Forest
2024-06-18 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages. A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!
Today our story is Far From The Forest. Written by Tracy Hauff. Illustrated by Amé Myles. Published by Itasca Books. (April 2024)
About the story: Far from the Forest is about the adventures of Kimimila (Mimi), a monarch butterfly. Mimi has emerged from her hibernation deep in the forest of Michoacán, Mexico, where she is befriended by Juan, a tree frog, who helps her prepare for her journey to America.
She travels the migration path of her ancestors and is blown off course by a thunderstorm that separates her from the Monarch swarm. Upon crashing into a chokecherry tree, her wing becomes caught on a branch. Frightened and alone, she has no idea where she is or who will help her.
A Lakota tale soars! Oglala Lakota author Tracy Hauff weaves a story of Kimimila, a monarch butterfly, on her incredible journey from Mexico to the Pine Ridge Reservation. Breathtaking illustrations by Spirit Lake Dakota artist Ame Myles bring this colorful migration to life.
Author Tracy Hauff is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and a contributor to museum exhibits created by the Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies (CAIRNS). She is the author of “Touch the Pen,” published in the Articles of a Treaty, “The Sunflower,” published in The Gift, and “These Men,” published in Navigating Narratives, The Corps of Discovery in Teton Territory.
Holding great respect for Uŋčí Makhá (Grandmother Earth), Tracy is passionate about saving the rainforests, indigenous homelands, and endangered species. She resides on treaty land in the sacred Black Hills.
Illustrator Amé Myles is an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Dakota Tribe of North Dakota. She is a mixed-media artist who has been creating art in various forms since childhood. Self-taught, she works with a variety of materials including watercolors, ink, colored pencils, and natural fibers with a focus on portraiture and the human form. She currently resides on Dakota homelands in Saint Paul, MN.

Meet the Author, Tracy Hauff
2024-06-18 10:30 - 13:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us on Tuesday, June 18, at 10:30 am at the Aktá Lakota Museum for a reading by author Tracy Hauff. Tracy will read her newly released book, “Far From the Forest,” a captivating story featuring Mimi, a monarch butterfly.
This event offers a wonderful chance for kids to discover the magic of the monarch migration and understand the vital role of milkweed in their survival.
In “Far From the Forest,” Mimi embarks on a remarkable journey from the heart of the Mexican forest, encountering new friends and obstacles along the way. Be part of this event as Tracy unfolds Mimi’s adventure, igniting a passion for nature and storytelling in young minds.
Following the reading, there will be a cultural activity and a book signing session with the author.

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁHow the Oceans Came to Be
2024-06-25 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is How the Oceans Came to Be. Written by Arvis Boughman. Illustrated by Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo. Published by 7th Generation. (September 2022)
About the story: In this delightful Lumbee story, clever Rabbit outsmarts a selfish Great Snapping Turtle. When Rabbit discovers many animals cannot find water, he sets out to solve the mystery. What he finds is the Great Snapping Turtle blocking the water of the Mother Spring. When the stubborn turtle refuses to move, Rabbit figures out a way to let the water flow. As the water flowed to all creatures, it also created the oceans of Turtle Island.

Following the reading, there will be a cultural activity. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁPrairie Dog Goes to School
2024-07-02 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is Pispíza waŋ Wayáwa Iyáye | Prairie Dog Goes to School, a bilingual story. Produced by The Lakota Language Consortium and Delores Take Alive. Illustrated by Franktišek Valer. Published by The Lakota Language Consortium. (June 2006)
About the story: Prairie Dog Goes to School is a fun bilingual picture book designed for early elementary and preschool children. It tells the story of a prairie dog on his way to school. Along the way, he meets different animals and they join him. Children learn basic verbs of travel, sentence structure, animals, and numbers.
Following the reading, there will be a cultural activity. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁThe Buffalo and the Boat
2024-07-09 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is Thathanka na Wata | The Buffalo and The Boat, a bilingual story by Kayo Bad Heart Bull, illustrated by Franktišek Valer. Published by The Lakota Language Consortium. (June 2006)
About the story: The Buffalo and the Boat is an attractive bilingual Lakota-English picture book designed for early elementary and preschool children. It tells the entertaining story of a buffalo in his bull boat traveling down the river and meeting friends. Each different animal joins buffalo and they continue down the river until the surprise ending. Children learn basic verbs, sentence structure, animals and numbers.
Following the reading, there will be a cultural activity. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁAnimals of Khéya Wíta
2024-07-16 10:30 - 23:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is Animals of Khéya Wíta (Turtle Island), a bilingual story written by Tara Perron, illustrated by Jacqueline Paske Gill and published by Blue Hummingbird Woman (January 2022).
About the story: The Animals of Khéya Wíta is a story exploring the traits of the Turtle Island sacred animal relatives through imagination and wonder. This Dakota version is meant to teach all peoples how to care for and respect all the amazing spirits of our beautiful homeland.
Following the reading, there will be a cultural activity. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁFather Eagle & The Hunter
2024-07-23 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Join us for Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM CDT. While the program is designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities will be captivating for children of all ages.
Today our story is Father Eagle and The Hunter, written and illustrated by Alfreda Beartack-Algeo, Published by 7th Generation (May 2023).
About the story: The hunter was tired of only finding berries and seeds to feed his hungry village, so he decided to look far and wide for some meat to bring to them. When he spotted a tall tree, he climbed to the top and discovered a nest with three eaglets. “What a tasty soup the three little birds will make!” thought the hunter.
Hearing the warning cries of the eaglets, Father Eagle flew to their rescue. Father Eagle told the hunter that if he did not take the eaglets, he would ask the Great Spirit to help the village. The hunter decided to trust Father Eagle and watched him soar high into the sky. Father Eagle returned and told the hunter that the Great Spirit would help his people and would not let his village perish. From that day forward, the game was plentiful, the people flourished, and the Eagle was forever respected and honored.
A cultural activity will follow the reading. The event is free and open to everyone – join the fun!
