A Time of Creation and Celebration
To the Lakota and many other Indigenous Nations, the summer solstice is a time of ceremony, gathering, and honoring the natural rhythms of Mother Earth and all life. This is why the Oglala Lakota Artspace (OLA), a program of First Peoples Fund, organized a summer solstice event on June 27, bringing together artists, performers, cultural presenters, and community members.
“The purpose of our summer solstice event goes back to Lakota thought and philosophy,” said Leslie Mesteth, Director of the OLA. “The summer solstice is a time when ceremonies happen. People come together and make prayers, support each other, honor each other, and take care of each other. It’s a really important time and it’s a time of celebration.”
On the day of the OLA summer solstice event, which took place in Kyle, South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, the weather was warm and the space was beaming with kinship as dozens of people of all ages and backgrounds came together for a full-day of activities. The event opened with a prayer and song in the Lakota language sung by Spencer Little Owl.
“The purpose of our summer solstice event goes back to Lakota thought and philosophy.”
In the first event presentation of the day, Khannie Tobacco and Spencer shared their knowledge of Lakota songs, explaining the meaning and protocols related to different types of songs– from ceremony songs, to celebration songs. After sharing their knowledge, Khannie and Spencer sang together with the drum and more singers, filling the space with their resounding voices.
“Kahnie and Spencer talk not just about how to sing, but how to really walk with it and be a Lakota,” said Talon Ducheneaux, Manager of the OLA Wičahpi Olowaŋ Music Program.
Two workshops were also offered throughout the day and participants had their choice of which to participate in: a rattle-making workshop facilitated by Naomi Last Horse, or a drumstick-making workshop offered by Redboy Means.
“When people come to these events, they have the opportunity to create,” said OLA Director Leslie Mesteth. “By creating together, we can heal together.”
In the afternoon, community participants, presenters, and artists shared a meal prepared by Karen Lone Elk, a respected cook in the community who has nourished countless people at a number of OLA events and gatherings throughout the Pine Ridge Indian reservation.
“By creating together, we can heal together.”
“It’s always great to come out and see how arts and culture are bringing community together and really creating a positive change in people's lives,” said Thomas Duncan, Chief Programs Officer of the Playing for Change Foundation. Playing for Change is an institutional partner of First Peoples Fund and partner of the Wičahpi Olowaŋ (WO) Music Program. “I came out to celebrate all of the great work that’s happened at OLA, and to celebrate the program manager Talon Ducheneaux for all the hard work that he has done, and the work that the whole OLA programs team has done to make something happen like this.”
Later that evening was the closing activity: an open mic opportunity hosted by Pte San Win Little Whiteman, an Oglala Lakota artist and poet, and performances by the North Route Band and Sacred Silence. Both bands hail from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
“I’m grateful for how the day went,” said Talon Ducheneaux, WO Manager at OLA. “The staff works hard as a team to make this happen. We appreciate everyone who made this gathering possible.”
Looking to the future, OLA continues to organize events for the community to engage with both traditional and contemporary arts and creative practices.
“Being able to provide the space for community members to come and share knowledge is vital to our Nation and as Indigenous people,” said OLA Director, Leslie Mesteth. “To create, share knowledge, learn and relearn new things, I think it gives our people a real sense of pride and belonging. We welcome everyone to come celebrate and create something with us.”
OLA hosts solstice and equinox events throughout the year and annually, with their next community event taking place on October 17 with the fall equinox celebration.
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Watch our video with highlights from the OLA Summer Solstice Event.
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Interested in participating and sponsoring upcoming events like OLA Solstice or Equinox? Contact us at info@firstpeoplesfund.org or donate here.
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