Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁMní kiŋ ówaŋčaWater is Everywhere!
2022-06-21 10:30 - 11:30 (America/North_Dakota/Center) | 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

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.
