Mitakuye Foundation

It is with deep sadness today that we learned about the sudden passing of our friend and Mitakuye collaborator Joe Her Many Horses.

Joe wasn’t just a dad taking his kids to classes. He wasn’t just a coach bringing students to a learning experience. Joe was a member of the Mitakuye Family! Joe would trek students on the long journey from Oelrichs to Kyle or Pine Ridge or wherever we were holding class to bring the experience of art and creativity to young people.  And Joe didn’t just bring kids to our classes – he jumped in and participated! Whether it was helping out on a film set, or being part of the student music video, or getting involved in art classes – Joe embodied the spirit of learning and creativity we work to share with all of our young artists!

As a dad – Joe was a role model. So proud and encouraging of his kids. He cherished all of their hard work and accomplishments. Our hearts and prayers g out to his wife Jennifer and his kids Baylie, Amelia, Wyatt, and Jackie. Our Hoye Wayelo programs will not be the same with out Joe there – but we will work hard to continue to make him proud. Safe journey to you Joe!

What are you inspired to create when you think of COLOR? So many wonderful ways to interpret this idea! All forms of creativity are encouraged!

Eugene Reddest Photo by Simon J Joseph

We are proud to be sponsoring a special memorial event in honor of our dear friend Eugene Reddest, who passed away in March 2002. Eugene was a Lakota (Sioux) elder who lived on the Pine Ridge Reservation. We started visiting Eugene in 1993 and developed a deep bond with him and his family. Every year the Reddest family helps organize and run the Potato Creek Pow Wow (Wacipi). We wanted to honor Eugene by sponsoring something at the Pow Wow which is such an integral part of the Reddest family tradition. Since Eugene was a gifted Grass Dancer in his youth, we all thought a special competition in his name would be a beautiful way to honor him. And so the Eugene Reddest Memorial Grass Dance competition was born! It will be held Saturday night, September 9th at the 69th Annual Potato Creek Pow Wow. We hope to make this an annual memorial prize! Our deep love, respect, and appreciation to the Reddest family!

Tee Iron Cloud photo by Jennifer Jessum

So proud of Tee Iron Cloud – the first young artist we mentored at Mitakuye. Performing this weekend at Black Hills Unity Concert!!! Go Tee!!

We are so proud of all the young artists who created so much good work with us this summer. Here are the two films created by students during the intensive:

Our fist team decided to do a short documentary.  “Lakota Lady Warriors” was directed and edited by Juan De La Cruz and created by filmmakers Cole Black Crow, Jordyn Long, Daniel White Face and features Estina AmericanHorse and Britney No Leaf. These ladies are 2 of the young boxers in the Thunder Lake Boxing Club for Boys and Girls that we sponsor. Rick Gray Grass, one of our Advisory Council members, is the director of the club and does amazing work with these young people!

Our second team decided to work in the narrative format and were interested in creating a piece that had a film noir feel to it. “The Institution” is a short narrative film Directed by Baylie Her Many Horses, and was conceived and created by the filmmaking team: Amelia Her Many Horses, Koryn Hughson, Rory Marshall, Nora Marshall, Joey Hill, Emily Hill, and Katherine Plenty Bulls.

One last post to share a few more moments from the summer workshop and to say a big Wopila to everyone who helped make this program possible!

Watching Nora’s tiger come into creation was a real treat for everyone – here are a few highlights …

Our deepest thanks to our sponsors, partners, teachers and volunteers: Tiny DeCory and Eileen Janis – our partners in crime and art! Thank you and the BEAR Program for getting the kids here and for being such superheroes for the youth! To all of the teachers and volunteers – deepest thanks for volunteering your time and talent with these young artists : Jill Frere, Diana Sherwood, Nakeiltha Campbell, Joe Tamas, Laffrey Witbrod, Elina ‘Z’ Krasteva, Robert Watters, Paula Cantu, Noah Haverkamp Frere, Emily Hart, Rose Cantu, Tim Gann, Destiny Leftwich, Beau Black Crow Sr., Alaetra Evans. And to our sponsors – this would not happen without you. Wopila Lo Sprague, Gwynne Guibord, Melissa Rathbone and Caesar Puello, Prisca Winslow, Chitra Pal, Swami Sarvadevananda, Lisa Faiman, Mary Gleason, Jillian Harris, Susan Henley, Beverly Carmen, The Levine Foundation, Loneman School, Aimee Pond, Terry Pechota.

And a few more fun moments …

 

We have been busy! Today we take the art on the road and out into nature …

Thank you everyone who supported the 500 Mile Sacred Hoop Run 2017! The young people ran hard with their prayers.  It was a beautiful and sacred event and the final run up to Bear Butte was awesome!

Photo Credit Simon J Joseph

Photo Credit Simon J Joseph

Photo Credit Simon J Joseph

Photo Credit Simon J Joseph

Photo Credit Simon J Joseph

Photo Credit Simon J Joseph

Photo Credit Simon J Joseph

Photo Credit Simon J Joseph