Takuwe – Why?

Aktá Lakota Museum St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD

“Takuwe,” which in English means “why,” centers on re-imagining the senseless slaughter of 300 Lakotas on December 29, 1890. The narrative structure of “Takuwe” is based on the words of Lakotas who were there in 1890 and 1891. Their recollections and reflections guide visitors through the exhibition in seven chronological periods: The exhibition includes songs, […]

Articles of a Treaty

Aktá Lakota Museum St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD

Articles of a Treaty focuses on the articles of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty between the “different bands of the Sioux Nation of Indians” and the United States.  The title is the first four words of the actual treaty. The 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty contains seventeen articles. Each article is interpreted through music, poetry, and […]

Iyáčhiŋ — Compare

Aktá Lakota Museum St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD

Iyáčhiŋ (ē ah chee), is Lakota for compare. In this exhibit, the pieces are hung in pairs encouraging a natural tendency to compare and contrast as a means of understanding. Iyáčhiŋ features artwork exclusively from the Aktá Lakota Museum’s permanent collection.

The Gift

Aktá Lakota Museum St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD

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 […]

Creation.Story

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: […]

Creation.Story Artist Reception

Aktá Lakota Museum St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, 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: […]

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁ
Muskrat and Skunk

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 […]

The Quilt — Owíŋza Exhibit

Aktá Lakota Museum St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD

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, […]

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
The Great Race

Aktá Lakota Museum St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD

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 […]

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁ
Mní kiŋ ówaŋča
Water is Everywhere!

Aktá Lakota Museum St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD

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 […]

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁ
Lewis and Clark: Explorers of the American West

Aktá Lakota Museum St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD

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, […]

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁ
The Raccoon and the Bee Tree

Aktá Lakota Museum St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD

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. […]