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About Us
Our mission is to help keep the life, culture, tradition and wellbeing of all Lakota people in tune with Wakan Tanka and Tunkasila (The Creator and the Grandfathers) by continuing to hold Sundance ceremonies throughout Sioux territories. (picture above is of Buffalo Bill and Grandfather Fast Thunder)
The U.S. Government tried to assimilate the Indians into the dominant culture by forcing the wearing of clothing,cutting their hair, outlawing religious practices and forcing children to only speak english and not the traditional language. That helps to decimate the culture by in a sense erasing it. Because in their view, Native American Culture was not important. Our hope is to ensure it continues forever. | Trust History The Trust was created because help was, and is, needed to maintain both Lakota self-identity and pride in the unique Lakota cultural rites and traditions. The Sundance Trust is located in the Pine Ridge National Forest area of the northwest panhandle in Nebraska not far from the location Crazy Horse was killed at Fort Robinson, and approximately 35 miles from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. With your help, a minority among minorities within this country will keep their culture and tradition alive and strong; and you will know that you have done something that you will be blessed for in your life and that will bless many generations to come. Thank you. | Very generally speaking, the Lakota belief system focuses on what is both around us and within us. From our cante' (chantay) or "heart" to the maka (mahkah) or "earth" we walk upon. The trees and grass are as alive as we are and carry the same life force as the common man and common woman ( ikce' wicasa na ikce' winyan.) That is why we say "mitakuye oyasin," all my relations, which Lakota people consider the most important statement of all. It means, "All my relations"; and shows how we are related to nature that surrounds us, the grandfathers above us, and each other. |
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