Hau Mitákuyepi,
We are calling our relatives together.
Tomorrow, September 19th, we invite our Oyate—our children, young people, parents, grandparents, singers, dancers, and relatives—to come together in Lakota Homes.
Our ancestors understood that the strength of the Oyate was found in Wótakuye—our relationships to one another. Our young people learned by being among the people: watching, listening, helping, playing, singing, dancing, praying, and being given responsibilities.
That is what we want this day to be.
Red Horse Healing will also be joining us with the horses. The horse, Šung Oyate, has a special place among our people. We want our young people to have the opportunity to be around the horses, experience that connection, and learn through being together.
Throughout the day we will have Takápsičapi, Tokála dancing, social dancing, Haŋpapȟéčhuŋpi/handgames, horses, food, visiting, laughter, prayer, and fellowship.
There will also be a traditional buffalo harvest, continuing the teaching that when something is provided for the people, we share it and make sure our relatives are cared for.
This is how culture lives—not only by talking about it, but by doing it together.
Bring your children.
Bring your grandchildren.
Bring your parents and grandparents.
Come sit with us. Come visit. Come help. Come learn.
#WotakuyeGluwasakapi
Wótakuye keeps the Oyate strong.
Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ.