Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

Poetry on the Road!
2025-04-01 17:00 - 19:00 (America/North_Dakota/Center) | Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, United States
Poetry is hitting the road in South Dakota, courtesy of the state Poetry Society. With events all over the state, it’s an opportunity to find inspiration, or lift your own voice.
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 April 1, 2025, from 5—7 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.”
Find a Poetry on the Road Event near you here!
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.

You're Invited!
2025-05-01 17:00 - 19:00
The Aktá Lakota Museum warmly invites you to join us in celebrating the artists featured in our newest exhibit:
Wóuŋspe – Education | Creative Collaborations, curated by David A. Meyer II.
This unique exhibit honors the deep connection between Native American students and their mentors, explored through an artistic perspective.
The showcased works are the result of collaborations between students from St. Joseph’s Indian School, visiting artists, and the South Dakota Artists in Schools and Communities program.
Visitors will experience a vibrant blend of voices and artistic styles—where the fresh creativity of youth meets the insight and guidance of seasoned Lakota and non-Lakota artists.
Event Schedule
🕔 5:00 PM – Opening Remarks by David A. Meyer II, Assistant Curator
🕕 6:00 PM – Artist Talks | Exhibit Exploration | Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages
This event is free and open to the public—make plans to attend and be inspired by the next generation of Native artists.

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁ
2025-06-03 10:30 - 11:30
📚 Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá🗓 June 3 | 10:30 AM CDT
Join us for Story Time at 10:30 AM CDT! While designed for elementary-age children, stories read by elders from the Lakota and Dakota communities captivate kids of all ages. Take part in a hands-on cultural activity following the reading!
✨ Featured Reading:Fry Bread: A Native American Family StoryWritten by Kevin Noble MaillardIllustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
🏅 2020 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal Winner🏅 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Honor Winner
Told in vibrant, lyrical verse, Fry Bread celebrates the warmth, resilience, and rich culture of a modern Native American family. A heartfelt story perfect for all ages!
Come connect with tradition, culture, and community through the magic of storytelling. We can’t wait to see you there!
Story Time with Uŋčí and Lalá

STORY TIME WITH Uŋčí & LALÁ
2025-06-10 10:30 - 11:30
📖 STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁ🗓️ June 10, 2025 |10:30 AM📍 Museum Bookstore🎟️ Free Admission
Perfect for all ages—especially elementary kids! No registration needed, just come ready for a fun and educational experience.
Join us as we share How The Birds Got Their Songs, a beautiful traditional story by Travis Zimmerman, adapted by Marcus Ammesmaki and published by the Minnesota Historical Society. Illustrated by Sam Zimmerman, this tale tells how the Great Spirit challenged all the birds to a contest, giving birth to the gift of birdsong!
Told in both English and Ojibwe, discover how each bird earns its unique song—and how a tiny hermit thrush surprises everyone by hitching a ride on Eagle’s feathers.
Passed down through the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, this story celebrates nature, language, and the magic of birdsong.
Don’t miss it—see you there!
Story Time with Uŋčí and Lalá

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-06-17 10:30 - 11:30
📖 STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁ🗓️ June 17 | 🕥 10:30 AM | 📍 Museum Bookstore | 🎟️ Free Admission
Join us for a special reading of The Land of the Great Turtles by Brad Wagnon, illustrated by Alex Stephenson!
🌿 In this Cherokee origin story, the Creator gifts the people a beautiful island — with one important rule: care for the land and its creatures. But when the children choose play over responsibility, the balance begins to shift…
✨ Told in both Cherokee and English, this story gently introduces Cherokee values and language, including the Cherokee syllabary.
All ages welcome — especially young learners! Come for the story, stay for the culture and connection.
Story Time with Uŋčí and Lalá

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-06-24 10:30 - 23:30
📖 Story Time with Uŋčí and Lalá🗓️ June 24 | 10:30 AM📍 Museum Bookstore – Aktá Lakota Museum
Join us for a special reading of Wačhí Awášteyalaka he? (Do You Like to Dance?), a joyful children’s book from the Lakota Language Consortium. Beautifully illustrated by Oglala Lakota artist Marty Two Bulls, this story invites children to explore the Lakota language through the joyful rhythm of dance.
🎨 After the reading, stick around for a fun cultural activity that the whole family will enjoy!
This vibrant 18-page picture book introduces young learners to Lakota adverbs and basic question-and-answer structures, encouraging self-expression through movement and tradition. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate and learn the Lakota language.
✨ Free and open to all – no registration required!

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-07-01 10:30 - 11:30
📖 Story Time with Uŋčí and Lalá🗓️ July 1 | 10:30 AM📍 Museum Bookstore – Aktá Lakota Museum
Join us for a special reading of Please Don’t Step on Me written by Elly-Kree George, beautifully illustrated by Jesse Hummingbird.
This delightful story teaches children that many bugs are helpful insects! Through the charming voice of Willie the Worm, young readers are introduced to insect friends who inspire curiosity, care, and a newfound appreciation for the little creatures around us. The book also includes thoughtful questions and fun activities to help parents and teachers dive even deeper into learning.
🎨 Stick around after the reading for a hands-on cultural activity the whole family will enjoy!
✨ Free and open to all – no registration required!

Voices of the Plains Exhibition
2025-07-02 08:00 - 16:30
Voices of Resilience: Contemporary Native American Women Artists invites viewers to engage with the strength and creativity of Native American women. The exhibition fosters a deeper understanding of their roles as innovators and leaders within the art community and their cultures, celebrating the rich tapestry of their experience and the resilience that defines their art. Pieces for this exhibit are pulled from the Aktá Lakota Museum’s permanent collection and includes work by Athena LaTocha, Renelle White Buffalo, Angela Babby, Dyani White Hawk, Jennifer White-Sahl, Joanne Bird, and Mikayla Patton.

Itówapi on Paper
2025-07-02 08:00 - 18:00
Historically, paper has served as a canvas for preserving culture, documenting history, and spiritual beliefs. Contemporary artists continue to explore this medium, using it to challenge stereotypes and convey messages about identity, resilience and cultural continuity.
Itówapi on Paper exhibition presents a rich collection of American Indian artworks on paper, showcasing both historic and contemporary pieces that highlight the evolution of artistic expression within Indigenous communities. The artworks, ranging from traditional storytelling to modern interpretations and social commentary, underscore the deep significance of paper as a medium.
Visitors will engage in the layered narratives presented in each piece, appreciating how paper transcends its physical form to become vital link between past and present, tradition and innovation. This exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the power of paper as a medium for communication, connection and cultural storytelling.
Itówapi translates to picture, portrait, drawing, painting, or photograph in the Lakota language.

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-07-08 10:30 - 11:30
📖 Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
🗓️ Monday, July 8 | 10:30 AM
📍 Museum Bookstore – Aktá Lakota Museum
Join us for a special reading of Grandma’s Tipi: A Present-Day Lakota Story by award-winning author and artist S. D. Nelson.
This heartwarming picture book follows young Clara as she spends her first summer away from home on the Standing Rock Reservation with her Uŋčí and cousin. When her Uncle Louie arrives with a family tipi passed down through generations, Clara begins a journey of discovery, tradition, and connection. From painting spirit symbols to sleeping under the stars, the tipi becomes a powerful symbol of family and Lakota heritage.
🌟 Winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award for Children’s Picture Book
🎨 Stay after the reading for a hands-on cultural activity the whole family will enjoy!

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-07-15 10:30 - 23:30
📖 Storytime with Uŋčí & Lalá
🗓️ Tuesday, July 15 | 10:30 AM
📍 Museum Bookstore – Aktá Lakota Museum
Join us for a special reading of Too Much — My Great Big Native Family by Laurel Goodluck, illustrated by Bridget George.
Follow young Russell as he learns that while his big, lively Native family may sometimes feel like “too much,” they’re exactly what he needs when it matters most. This heartwarming and humorous story celebrates the beauty of family, culture, and love.
🎨 After the reading, enjoy a free hands-on cultural activity — fun for the whole family!
✨ Free and open to all – no registration required!

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-07-22 10:30 - 11:30
📖 Storytime with Uŋčí & Lalá
🗓️ Tuesday, July 22 | 10:30 AM
📍 Museum Bookstore – Aktá Lakota Museum
Join us for a monolingual reading of Šuŋgíla waŋ Náǧi Waŋgláke kiŋ | The Fox Who Saw His Own Shadow, created by the Lakota Language Consortium and illustrated by Thomas Hilley.
When Little Red goes rabbit hunting, he’s surprised to meet another fox just like him. This playful story teaches lessons about day and night—and the importance of understanding ourselves.
🎨 Stick around afterward for a free hands-on cultural activity—fun for the whole family!
✨ Free and open to all – no registration required!

Voices of the Plains
2025-07-24 - 2026-06-12
This exhibit features artwork from the Aktá Lakota Museum’s permanent collection, highlighting the creativity and resilience of artists connected to the Plains. Through a diverse range of styles, media, and generations, Voices of the Plains celebrates the depth and vibrancy of Native expression. The exhibition also reflects the museum’s ongoing commitment to honoring Indigenous voices and expanding its evolving collection.
Curated by David A. Meyer II
Featured artwork: Pride of the Prairie (c) 2017 by Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo, Lakota

Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá
2025-07-29 10:30 - 11:30
📖 Storytime with Uŋčí & Lalá
🗓️ Tuesday, July 29 | 10:30 AM
📍 Museum Bookstore – Aktá Lakota Museum
Join us for a monolingual reading of Wakíŋyaŋ Aglí – The Thunderbeings by the Lakota Language Consortium, illustrated by Marty Two Bulls.
Stormy nights can feel scary with howling winds and flashing lightning — but this beautifully told story reminds us that we’re never truly alone. A comforting tale rooted in Lakota tradition.
🎨 Stay after for a free hands-on cultural activity — perfect for families and little learners!
✨ Free and open to all – no registration required!

Holiday Open House – Shop Local!
2025-11-29 09:00 - 15:00
🎄Holiday Open House – Shop Local! 🎄
Join us on Saturday, November 29, for the Aktá Lakota Museum’s Annual Holiday Open House!Celebrate Small Business Saturday by supporting local and regional Native artists while enjoying a fun, festive shopping experience.
✨ Event Highlights:🛍️ 30% storewide discount – one day only!🎨 Free Gift Bags!☕ Refreshments🎁 Door prize drawings – no purchase necessary!
Shop local. Support Native artists. Celebrate the season with us!

Poetry on the Road
2026-01-30 17:00 - 19:00
Poetry is hitting the road in South Dakota for the third year in a row, thanks to the South Dakota State Poetry Society (SDSPS). With events taking place across the state, Poetry on the Road invites audiences to find inspiration, listen deeply, and lift their own voices.
South Dakota’s State Poet Laureate, Bruce Roseland, along with fellow SDSPS member poets and special guests, will visit the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 5–7 p.m. The evening will feature poetry readings followed by an open mic, where attendees are invited to sign up and share their own original poems.
By bringing poetry directly to communities across the 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.
Find a Poetry on the Road Event near you HERE!
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.

St. Joseph’s Student Art Exhibit
2026-03-02 08:00 - 2026-03-31 16:30
In honor of National Youth Art Month in March, students of St. Joseph’s Indian School are being celebrated through a Student Art Show and Sale hosted by the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center.
The exhibition highlights the importance of art education for all children while advocating for continued support of quality school and community art programs. It also provides St. Joseph’s students with the opportunity to present their work in a professional gallery setting.
Participation in the Student Art Show and Sale allows students to share their creativity and artistic talents with a broader audience. Throughout the exhibition, visitors may purchase artwork directly from the student artists, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the students.
A closing reception and gala will be hosted by the Aktá Lakota Museum on March 26 for participating students, their families, and staff.
The exhibition is on display in the Historical Center Gallery and will remain open to the public through March 31.
Exhibition is curated by Casey Walsh, Museum Curator.

STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁ
2026-06-02 10:30 - 11:30
📖 STORY TIME WITH UŊČÍ & LALÁ
🗓️ June 2 | 🕥 10:30 AM | 📍 Museum Bookstore | 🎟️ Free Admission
Join us for the return of Story Time with Uŋčí & Lalá with a special reading of The Raccoon and the Bee Tree by Charles A. Eastman and Elaine Goodale Eastman, illustrated by Susan Turnbull. Published by the South Dakota Historical Society Press.
Set in southeastern South Dakota, this timeless story follows a curious raccoon who awakens at dusk in search of food. Drawn to the sweet honey dripping from a bee tree, he soon discovers that temptation can sometimes lead to unexpected trouble.
Originally written more than one hundred years ago, The Raccoon and the Bee Tree beautifully blends an old American Indian tale preserved by the Eastmans with a traditional European fable. Its meaningful lesson continues to resonate with children and families today.
Bring the whole family and enjoy this engaging story, followed by fun cultural activities for all ages.

Opening July 2026
2026-07-01 - 2026-10-31
Modernity Meets Tradition: Real Tradish explores the intersection of modernity and traditional Lakota ways. The exhibit features work that bridges past and present—through the application of traditional techniques and symbolism, to modern materials, themes, and imagery. Together, these pieces affirm that Lakota traditions are not gone; they are living practices that continue to adapt, endure, and thrive in the 21st century.
Curated by Casey WalshFeatured artwork: Untitled – Self Portrait (c. 1988), Daniel Long Soldier (Oglala Lakota)

"Americans"
2026-11-07 08:00 - 2027-01-07 16:30
The South Dakota Humanities Council is bringing Americans, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition to the Aktá Lakota Museum for an exclusive tour in 2026!
Based on a major exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, Americans explores how deeply intertwined American Indians are in the culture of the United States.
American Indians are less than 1% of the population, yet images of Indians are everywhere. American Indian images, names, and stories infuse American history and contemporary life. Pervasive, powerful, at times demeaning, the images, names, and stories reveal how Indians have been embedded in unexpected ways in the history, pop culture, and identity of the United States.
Americans surrounds visitors with images and objects from popular culture and delves into these historical events. The exhibition invites visitors to explore this complicated history and to share local stories about Native American history, culture and identity.
South Dakota Host and Partner Sites.
September 12 – October 31, 2026 – SDSU Briggs Library, Brookings
November 7, 2026 – January 9, 2027 – Aktá Lakota Museum, St. Joseph’s Indian School, Chamberlain
January 16 – March 6, 2027 – The Heritage Center, Red Cloud Indian School, Pine Ridge
March 13 – May 1, 2027 – AH Brown Library, Scherr Howe Event Center, Mobridge
May 8 – June 26, 2027 – W.H. Over Museum, USD, Vermillion
