Covolo panel presents traditional, cultural values of the Lakota
CHADRON – Tuesday, in the final lecture of the fall semester in the Graves Lecture Series at the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, Justice Studies Instructor Danielle Covolo presented: Sacred Knowledge, a panel discussion about the culture of the Oglala and Lakota people and the Pine Ridge Reservation. The panel included Duane Two Bulls and a singing performance by Virgil RedCloud Goode.
Addressing the inaccuracy of the term reservation, Covolo talked about issues surrounding tribal sovereignty, civil rights, and negative views of Pine Ridge. She argued that these issues should be heard through Native voices.
“Right now, we need to focus on places that are known as reservations and recognize that they have their own practices and culture. We need to focus on respecting their cultural values that are a big part of their laws,” she said.
To highlight the positive strides made within the community, she introduced Two Bulls, a Pine Ridge resident, who spoke at length about tribal history and culture. He listed the seven Oglala values of generosity, kinship, prayer, respect, wisdom, reciprocity, and compassion, while stressing the importance of remembering indigenous peoples and maintaining tradition. Two Bulls said that much of the tribe’s history has been preserved through storytelling and he said positive efforts are being made to teach the Lakota language in schools and community centers.
To conclude the panel, RedCloud Goode sang a blessing to the audience, encouraging everyone to stand as a show of respect.
A star quilt from the Sandoz archives and a feather fan made by RedCloud Goode were also displayed during the presentation.
The Graves Lecture Series will resume in the spring.
Category: Campus News, Graves Lecture Series