The Gift
2021-06-15 - 2021-11-30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
The Gift, based on the traditional Lakota narrative of the coming of the White Buffalo Woman who gave a sacred pipe to Itazipco Oyate people.
The exhibit centers on the seven sacred Lakota ceremonies—‘gifts’—that Black Elk says were foretold by the White Buffalo Woman.

Hanbleceya — Vision Quest
Hunkapi — Making Relatives
Inipi — Purification
Isnati Awicalowan — Preparing for Womanhood
Tapa Wankayeyapi — Throwing the Ball
Wanagi Yuhapi — Keeping a Ghost
Wiwanyang Wacipi — Sun Dance

Each gift of these gifts is interpreted by artwork, a poem, and a song created by Lakota artists, poets, and musicians and presented together with the text of each ‘gift’.
This educational exhibit is developed and curated by Craig Howe, Director of the Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies (CAIRNS).

Creation.Story
2021-12-20 - 2022-05-31 | SD
Keith BraveHeart and the Aktá Lakota Museum are proud to present Creation.Story – an exhibition of contemporary art about the Lakota creation story. In 2018, the museum purchased BraveHeart’s MFA thesis, a series of eight paintings entitled Wakan Takan. Creation.Story is a continuation of this thesis work that involves the collaboration of nine additional artists: Dyani White Hawk, Randi Lynn Boucher, Jhon Goes In Center, Inkpa Mani, Marlena Myles, Mikayla Patton, James Star Comes Out, Dwayne Wilcox, and Talon Ducheneaux. The exhibit is co-curated by BraveHeart and David A. Meyer II of the Aktá Lakota Museum.
Creation.Story explores the beginnings of the Lakota people through their Wakan relatives. Historically this knowledge was passed from generation to generation through storytelling. The exhibit is considered a continuation of this oral tradition and focuses on the contemporary interpretations of the Ocheti Sakowin creation stories.

Creation.Story Artist Reception
2022-05-15 15:00 - 18:00 (America/North_Dakota/Center) | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Keith BraveHeart and the Aktá Lakota Museum are proud to present Creation.Story – an exhibition of contemporary art about the Lakota creation story. In 2018, the museum purchased BraveHeart’s MFA thesis, a series of eight paintings entitled Wakan Takan. Creation.Story is a continuation of this thesis work that involves the collaboration of nine additional artists: Dyani White Hawk, Randi Lynn Boucher, Jhon Goes In Center, Inkpa Mani, Marlena Myles, Mikayla Patton, James Star Comes Out, Dwayne Wilcox, and Talon Ducheneaux. The exhibit is co-curated by BraveHeart and David A. Meyer II of the Aktá Lakota Museum.
Creation.Story explores the beginnings of the Lakota people through their Wakan relatives. Historically this knowledge was passed from generation to generation through storytelling. The exhibit is considered a continuation of this oral tradition and focuses on the contemporary interpretations of the Ocheti Sakowin creation stories.
Join us for an Artist Reception on Sunday, May 15 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM that will include a look at the artwork from the perspective of the artists.

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁMuskrat and Skunk
2022-06-07 10:30 - 11:30 | SD
Story Time with Uŋči & Lalá is a free public program that brings American Indian history to life through books read by elders from the local community. The program is geared toward elementary-age children, but children young and old are welcome. Each week features a different story, and children are invited to participate in a take-home art project or activity following the reading of the story.
Story Time is held in the Museum Bookstore every week on Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. during the months of June and July.
Today our story is Muskrat and Skunk: A Lakota Drum Story by Donald F. Montileaux. Join in on the fun!
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.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.Registration is recommended for large groups.Service pets welcome.For more information call 800.798.3452 or email aktalakota@stjo.org

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.

Story Time with Uŋčí & LaláThe Great Race
2022-06-14 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Today our story is The Great Race of the Birds and Animals written and illustrated by Paul Goble.
About the story: Long ago, when the world was still quite new, buffaloes used to eat people. It is true? The hair on their chins is hair of the people they use to eat…It is Terrible to think about those times. . .
But the Creator saw the people’s distress and decreed that a contest be held between all the two-legged and four-legged creatures. Who would win, thundering Buffalo or fleet-footed Man? None of the other animals was fast enough, and before the end, Beaver and Muskrat slipped off into a cool stream, Jack-rabbit hopped off across the plain, and Mole and Gopher tunneled underground (and may still think the race is on).
The winner was decided long ago, in Sioux and Cheyenne legend. Buffalo — who lost — agreed to give up eating men for dinner, and thanks to the cunning of a single magpie, Man became the guardian of the natural world.
Story Time with Uŋči & Lalá is a free public program that brings American Indian history to life through books read by elders from the local community. The program is free to the public and geared toward elementary-age children, but children young and old are welcome. Each week features a different story, and children are invited to participate in a take-home art project or activity following the reading of the story.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.Registration is recommended for large groups.Service pets welcome.For more information call 800.798.3452 or email aktalakota@stjo.org

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁMní kiŋ ówaŋčaWater is Everywhere!
2022-06-21 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Today our story is Mní kin ówanca | Water is Everywhere! by Lakota Language Consortium with Illustrations by Marty Two Bulls; read by Lakota Uŋčí LaRayne.
About the story: Mní kiŋ ówaŋča – Water is Everywhere! is an early reader book from the Lakota Language Consortium beginner Science Series that introduces young readers and listeners to facts and words related to water.
Story Time with Uŋči & Lalá is a free public program that brings American Indian history to life through books read by elders from the local community. The program is free to the public and geared toward elementary-age children, but children young and old are welcome. Each week features a different story, and children are invited to participate in a take-home art project or activity following the reading of the story.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.Registration is recommended for large groups.Service pets welcome.For more information call 800.798.3452 or email aktalakota@stjo.org

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁLewis and Clark: Explorers of the American West
2022-06-28 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Today our story is Lewis and Clark: Explorers of the American West by Steven Kroll, illustrated by Richard Williams, read by Lalá Phil.
About the story: This picture book of Lewis and Clark’s famous journey begins with the Louisiana Purchase and goes on to introduce the members of the “corps of discovery,” their aims, transportation, supplies, discoveries, and the many hardships they faced as they made their way across the continent and back.
Story Time with Uŋči & Lalá is a free public program that brings American Indian history to life through books read by elders from the local community. The program is geared toward elementary-age children, but children young and old are welcome. Each week features a different story, and children are invited to participate in a take-home art project or activity following the reading of the story.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.Registration is recommended for large groups.Service pets welcome.For more information call 800.798.3452 or email aktalakota@stjo.org

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁThe Raccoon and the Bee Tree
2022-07-05 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Today our story is The Raccoon and the Bee Tree authored by Charles A. Eastman and Elaine Goodale Eastman; illustrated by Susan Turnbul.
About the story: This tale is 100 years old and is an American Indian tale. Traditionally told only verbally Charles Eastman decided to put the story into print at his wife’s suggestion.
The story follows a raccoon as he wakes and goes hunting for food. He soon gets into a sticky situation as he tangles with a bee’s nest and its honey. This is a delightful tale and is in the form of a fable with a moral at the ending.
Story Time with Uŋči & Lalá is a free public program that brings American Indian history to life through books read by elders from the local community. The program is geared toward elementary-age children, but children young and old are welcome. Each week features a different story, and children are invited to participate in a take-home art project or activity following the reading of the story.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.Registration is recommended for large groups.Service pets welcome.For more information call 800.798.3452 or email aktalakota@stjo.org

Museum Monday — Vera K. BoydJourney Into the Past
2022-07-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Journey into the Past with Vera K. Boyd introduces audiences to the First Nations people who made their homes in southeastern South Dakota – Omaha, Ponca, and Ioway – and discusses their traditional way of life. Farming techniques and crops are reviewed; artifacts, sample trade items, replicas of a dog travois, tools, and pottery are discussed and exhibited.
Museum Monday is a free program that provides educational presentations in history, literature, philosophy, anthropology, and other humanities disciplines. The programs are geared toward teen and adult audiences but people of all ages are welcome to attend.
Presentations are free and held every Monday in July and August in the Museum Theater area.Registration is recommended for large groups.No food or drink allowed.Service pets welcome.For more information call 800.798.3452 or email aktalakota@stjo.org
Programming for Museum Monday is sponsored in part by the South Dakota Humanities Council.

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁThe Rough-Face Girl
2022-07-12 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Today our story is The Rough-Face Girl by Rafe Martin; illustrated by David Shannon.
About the story: In an Algonquin village by the shores of Lake Ontario, many young women have tried to win the affections of the powerful Invisible Being who lives with his sister in a great wigwam near the forest. Then came the Rough Face girl, scarred from working by the fire. Can she succeed where her beautiful, cruel sisters have failed?
Story Time with Uŋči & Lalá is a free public program that brings American Indian history to life through books read by elders from the local community. The program geared toward elementary-age children, but children young and old are welcome. Each week features a different story, and children are invited to participate in a take-home art project or activity following the reading of the story.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.Registration is recommended for large groups.Service pets welcome.For more information call 800.798.3452 or email aktalakota@stjo.org

Museum Monday — Dr. Brad TennantThe Lewis and Clark Expedition
2022-07-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
In his presentation The Lewis and Clark Expedition, Dr. Brad Tennant covers various aspects of the Lewis and Clark Journals even though they have been published for nearly 200 years and studied for the entire time that they have been in existence.
Dr. Tennant covers the topics of food/nutrition, wildlife, military, and the aspects of the Teton encounters that were reported in the Journals both in 1804 and the return trip in 1806.
About the presenter: Dr. Brad Tennant is a professor of history at Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD. In addition to his teaching assignments, Tennant is an active researcher, writer, and presenter on a variety of state and regional topics.
His most recent publications include an article about the Spanish attempts to intercept Lewis and Clark, which appeared in Great Plains Traverse, and an article on Brown County ethnic churches that are on the National Register of Historic Places, which appeared in South Dakota History.
In addition to being a member of several local, state, and national organizations, he currently serves on the South Dakota State Historical Society’s board of trustees.
Museum Monday is a free program that provides educational presentations in history, literature, philosophy, anthropology, and other humanities disciplines. The programs are geared toward teen and adult audiences but people of all ages are welcome to attend.
Presentations are free and held every Monday in July and August in the Museum Theater area.Registration is recommended for large groups.No food or drink allowed.Service pets welcome.For more information call 800.798.3452 or email aktalakota@stjo.org
Programming for Museum Monday is sponsored in part by the South Dakota Humanities Council.

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁThe Star People: A Lakota Legend
2022-07-19 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Today our story is The Star People: A Lakota Legend written and illustrated by S. D. Nelson, and read by Dakota Uåçi Belinda.
About the story: A grandmother’s love is forever in this story of remembrance and tradition from award-winning author and member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe S. D. Nelson
Sister Girl and her brother Young Wolf wander away from their village and soon find themselves far out in the surrounding prairie. They sit down in the grass and watch the clouds passing above billow to form an eagle, horses, and other creatures. Suddenly, animals begin to race past the children on the ground—followed by a wall of fire! Fleeing along with the frightened beasts, Sister Girl and Young Wolf save themselves by tumbling into a shallow stream.
The fire leaves behind ash and a barren, forbidding landscape. The children realize that they are hopelessly lost. Night is coming—how will they get home to their parents? And why are the evening stars dancing so?
Story Time with Uŋči & Lalá is a free public program that brings American Indian history to life through books read by elders from the local community. The program is geared toward elementary-age children, but children young and old are welcome. Each week features a different story, and children are invited to participate in a take-home art project or activity following the reading of the story.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.Registration is recommended for large groups.Service pets welcome.For more information call 800.798.3452 or email aktalakota@stjo.org

Museum MondayAlfreda Beartrack-AlgeoLakota Author, Storyteller, Artist
2022-07-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo, Lakota author, storyteller, poet, artist, and illustrator uses various art forms as a means to tell her stories. Alfreda will read her first published children’s book The Day The Earth Rose Up based on her version of how the Pleiades, the Seven Sisters star formation came to be.
Alfreda says, “It is a very sensitive and beautiful experience to be a storyteller. There is a story in everything I create, from the smallest rock to the mightiest mountain. With every character born, and every story shared, I add a piece of my spirit to this great matrix of life. As long as I have a story left to tell, I feel I have a responsibility to gift that story forward.” A book signing will follow the presentation.
About the presenter: Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo, a storyteller and poet, artist, and illustrator, is a member of the Lower Brule Lakota Nation, Kul Wicasa Oyate, in Lower Brule, South Dakota, where she grew up. Her involvement in fine art began at an early age, with direct influence from her father, Alfred Ziegler, a noteworthy artist who has inspired her work in sculpture, painting, and drawing throughout her life.
Museum Monday is a free program that provides educational presentations in history, literature, philosophy, anthropology, and other humanities disciplines. The programs are geared toward teen and adult audiences but people of all ages are welcome to attend.
Presentations are free and held every Monday in July and August in the Museum Theater area.
Registration is recommended for large groups.
No food or drink allowed.
Service pets welcome.
For more information call 800.798.3452 or email aktalakota@stjo.org

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁThe Buffalo Jump
2022-07-26 10:30 - 11:30 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Today our story is The Buffalo Jump by Peter Roop, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth, read by Dakota Uåçi Belinda.
About the story: Little Blaze wants to be the buffalo runner who leads the herd over the buffalo jump cliff. Each jump means food for his people and new buffalo skins for robes and lodges. A jump is also a chance for the buffalo runner to earn a new name. But, his father has chosen his brother – Curly Bear – instead, and Little Blaze is angry. When Curly Bear stumbles while leading the herd, will Little Blaze be able to forget his hurt and anger to save his brother?
Story Time with Uŋči & Lalá is a free public program that brings American Indian history to life through books read by elders from the local community. The program is geared toward elementary-age children, but children young and old are welcome. Each week features a different story, and children are invited to participate in a take-home art project or activity following the reading of the story.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.Registration is recommended for large groups.Service pets welcome.For more information call 800.798.3452 or email aktalakota@stjo.org

MUSEUM MONDAY — Robyn KnechtEquine Therapy — Meet Our Horses
2022-08-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
To the Lakota, a šúŋkawakȟán — horse — is a relative. A four-legged friend and companion that provided transportation, friendship, and pride. The horse is revered for its grace and bravery.
Today, many Lakota people still look to the horse to provide healing from trauma, anxiety, and mental and emotional distress, among others.
Healing from internal or external wounds was the purpose behind launching the equine therapy program at St. Joseph’s Indian School.
Now in the program’s second year, it continues to grow. Last year, horses had to be transported to and from campus for therapy sessions. Now, horses live on the north end of campus, creating the opportunity for more students to take part in the equine therapy sessions.
In this presentation, Robyn Knetch, Director of Counseling & Service at St. Joseph’s Indian School, and Patty Coleman, Equine Specialist Caretaker will talk about the importance of equine therapy in the lives of our children. Participants will also be invited to tour our future horse barn complex site.

MUSEUM MONDAYGeraldine Goes In CenterHistory of Lakota Food & Diet
2022-08-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Jerry Goes In Center presents the history of the diet of Lakota people, covering pre-reservation, early reservation, and present time. The presentation includes information on the types of food Lakota people consumed and how foods were preserved and prepared.
About the Presenter: Geraldine (Jerry) Goes In Center, Oglala Lakota, and Great-granddaughter of William Lip (Pute), Headman of Lip’s Camp (Pute) Tiospaye (Wamblee SD).
Jerry served eight years in the US Army (Vietnam Era veteran), five years National Guard and earned a BS in Human Service and a minor in counseling from Oglala Lakota College. She is a published writer and entrepreneur and has self-published four booklets: “Jokes Heard around the Rez”, “Lakota Recipes”, “Sacred Pipe” and “Lakota Baby Naming Book.”
Semi-retired from being self-employed she has been providing buffalo wasna to the Dialysis Centers on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Geraldine currently resides in Rapid City SD.
Museum Monday is a free program that provides educational presentations in history, literature, philosophy, anthropology, and other humanities disciplines. The programs are geared toward teen and adult audiences but people of all ages are welcome to attend.
Presentations are free and held every Monday in July and August in the Museum Theater area.
Registration is recommended for large groups.
No food or drink allowed.
Service pets welcome.
For more information call 800.798.3452 or email aktalakota@stjo.org
Programming for Museum Monday is sponsored in part by the South Dakota Humanities Council.

MUSEUM MONDAY — JACE DECORYLAKOTA THOUGHTS ON EQUITY & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
2022-08-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Jace DeCory presents the topic of Lakota thought and philosophy regarding the outlook on cultural values and the environment, including climate change, sacred Lakota sites, and environmental justice. DeCory’s presentation weaves these issues into a discussion of the concept of wólakota — being in balance with the world around us — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
About the presenter: Jace DeCory is a Professor Emeritus in American Indian Studies, College of Liberal Arts, Black Hills State University, in Spearfish, SD. She is a Lakota elder from the Oceti Sakowin Oyate (Seven Council Fires Nation) and an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. She resides in the sacred He Sapa/Paha Sapa/Black Hills in Spearfish, South Dakota.
Museum Monday is a free program that provides educational presentations in history, literature, philosophy, anthropology, and other humanities disciplines. The programs are geared toward teen and adult audiences but people of all ages are welcome to attend.
Presentations are free and held every Monday in July and August in the Museum Theater area.
Registration is recommended for large groups.
No food or drink allowed.
Service pets welcome.
For more information call 800.798.3452 or email aktalakota@stjo.org
Programming for Museum Monday is sponsored in part by the South Dakota Humanities Council.

St. Joseph's Indian School Powwow
2022-09-15 - 2022-09-17 | SD
Our Annual Powwow will once again be in-person this September! The public is invited to St. Joseph’s Indian School to take part in a weekend dedicated to honoring the Lakota culture.
Get the full details: www.stjo.org/powwow.
Add to your Facebook calendar: https://fb.me/e/1Sh9mQg4X

Holiday Open House!
2022-11-26 09:00 - 15:00 | 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
