CyberBulletin

The last two months have been difficult for me personally as I suffered the anguish of losing two tahanshi (cousins), Eugene Bruguier and Larry Arcoren. While I remember our laughing banter and, shining, smiling faces, I cannot help but feel bad for our families and the Oyate (people) losing our young men at such early ages. Being 42 and 46 respectively, they leave behind children and relatives who will not be able to live and laugh with them through the remainder of our lives. Also, within the last month I lost my Aunt Pauline Necklace Kazena who took with her a great chunk of Ihanktonwan Nakota Oyate history. These three closely related relatives remain with us spiritually even though we are no longer able to sit around the kitchen table enjoying those good times of drinking coffee, joking and laughing as we visited. The lesson that comes home, loud and clear, is give your very best to your relatives and friends now while they can enjoy them

I have received quite a bit of feedback from recent news coverage of the continued use of words which are denigrating to the Oyate. While we have many people working on different facets of this controversy, such as the unauthorized, unethical, and demeaning use of Tashunke Witko (Crazy Horse), "redskins," and other derogatory nicknames, another common usage was brought to my attention by several people. I will use the word only once because it is so hurtful--squaw--and denote it as the 'S' word [as found in Dr. Dean Chavers's article found in Indian Country Today] for the rest of these thoughts. Minnesota has taken the enlightened approach to solving this problem. When it was brought to their attention that the word was demeaning to American Indian women, the state administration took positive steps to have it removed from all official usages, in particular, the use of the 'S' word to designate geographic place-names and landforms. I believe it is now time for us who live in South Dakota to follow Minnesota's path and eradicate the 'S' word from the twenty-seven geographic features in the state which carry the term. And it is really up to all of us, including Lakota people who live in Shannon County which has a dam and butte with the word, to stand up and make the change. It is particularly meaningful for us Dakota/Lakota/Nakota men when you think of it this way: would you like somebody to call your mother by that name? Or your grandmother?

Little steps such as name changes can lead to a better understanding between our Oyate and others. With the elimination of demeaning words such as this, it bring us that much closer together as human beings. When we do this, we can be especially grateful that we are coming closer to meeting the true meaning of the Oyate word we use to describe ourselves, a word used by this state, Dakota: "feeling affection for, friendly" (Riggs, Dakota-English Dictionary, 1992).

Oftentimes, I forget that it is my privilege to work with some very outstanding people here on campus. So, to alleviate that omission I want to start by recognizing fellow faculty and staff who contribute so much to our fine University: Ms. Roberta Hakl, Dr.'s Norma Wilson, Nancy Myers, Carol Traut. They serve, along with me, on the University of South Dakota's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemoration Committee. In my four years service, they have contributed faithfully and professionally to bringing about the University's annual recognition of Dr. King's contributions to our human community. Their service is commendable and reflects great credit on themselves, our university, and all people in our universe.

Earlier this month I was honored by being invited to attend the Cheyenne River Community College's 1997 commencement exercises. In recognition of their lifelong commitment to living with, and sharing their Oyate ways, Romanus Bear Stops, Burdell Blue Arm, Dolly Blue Arm, Joe Blue Coat, Dora Bruguier, Lorraine Charging Eagle, Steve Charging Eagle, Wilson Cook, Cordelia Dupris, Melvin Garreau, Sr., Clara High Elk, Ellen In The Woods, Gilbert LeBeau, Myrtle Little Shield, Flora Little Wounded, Issac Long, Edward Long Fox, Vernon Mestes, Rose Moran, Earlwin Red Bird, Sr., Timothy Red Dog, Sr., Elsie Slides Off, Kenneth West, Sr., and Darlene Young Bear were awarded an Honorary Ph.D. Degree in Lakota Education. Mr. Orville Lee, who has indicated an interest in pursuing Masters Degree studies here at the University, was also awarded his B.S. degree.

I believe the recognition as doctors of education for Oyate elders is long overdue. It has always been an obligation--even a duty--for elders to pass on their knowledge to the upcoming generations. With this historic bestowing of academic credentials, the elders are able to meet the requirements which are acceptable to institutions which call for this form of confirmation of ability. The College and the Oyate leaders are to be commended for their recognition of Oyate elders, and for thinking about the future of their educational process as it affects their Nation. Oyate Itanchan Gregg Bourland, led the ceremonies. He was assisted by notables Steve Emery, Esq., (USD, B.A., 1986), and College Itanchan Tanya Ward (USD, M.A., 1976). It makes me proud to know that the Oyate strive to succeed in another aspect of our shared lives and that education is valued so highly. My Grandma Dora Shoots Off Bruguier, a gracious lady who is also a Deacon in the Episcopal Church, continues to be an inspiration to me, and to all who know her, or have the privilege of meeting her.

Native American Electronic Text Resources

Aboriginal Links: Canada & U.S. [Includes several treaties]

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