Day 14 – Akta’ Lakota Museum and Cultural Center

 On the east shore of the Missouri River, in the town of Chamberlain is a great little museum on the campus of St Joseph’s Indian School. The name of the museum is Akta’ Lakota which means “to honor the People”. The purpose of the center is to not only display historical artifacts, but to illustrate the traditional way of life for the Lakota People. The center also displays current artwork for both their students and artists in residence. Furthermore, one thing I appreciated the most was that the gift shop mostly sold items made by local artists who signed their work.

The early French Fur trappers called the native people of South Dakota the Sioux. While this term is still used because it is recorded on official documents written by the US government, the native people prefer the traditional name for their bands. 

Throughout South Dakota there are several groups. There are four bands of the Dakotas, two bands of the Nakotas, and one band of the Lakotas. This last is also called Titonwan, meaning “Dwellers of the prairie”.

One interesting section of the museum portrays a historical travel camp. There are interactive demonstrations, such as a bone scraping tool that would have been used to process buffalo hides, as well as, historical games that visitors can try their hand at.

Displays showed the transition from the historical porcupine quill decorations on clothing to the more modern beading patterns that came into practice once trade with pioneers and settlers began.

Outside of the museum there is a meditative garden, “Medicine Circle”, and fountain. Prayers for each of the cardinal directions illustrated the Lakota’s spiritual connection to the Earth and their focus on family.  

The following is the prayer for the East:

Wiyohiyanpatakiya – Toward the East

We pray that the Hehaka bring love among friends and family.

Remind us always that our children are sacred.

Nurture our youth who will lead tomorrow.

Help us embrace each new day.

Enjoy your day!