Informal Science Seminar and Youth Concert: Summary and Report

Informal Science Seminar and Youth Concert: Summary and Report

40th Anniversary of Wounded Knee 1973 Liberation Day.

 

February 27 2013 Annual 4 Directions Walk to Wounded Knee commemorating Liberation Day: February 27, 1973.

 

Mato Najin of Indigenous performs Tuesday night.

Michael Bucher

Margo Thunderbird, Shinnecock Nation of New York.

Milo Yellowhair and Dennis Banks, Concert MCs

Tuesday, February 26, 2013. Porcupine SD: “Empowering the Youth of the Lakota Nation,” was the theme for an Informal Science Seminar and Concert that took place Tuesday February 26th, 2013.  Over 300 people gathered in the community of Porcupine, SD to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Wounded Knee 1973.  It was a day to look forward from the outcomes of the Wounded Knee Occupation that took place in 1973.  40 years after the occupation the Lakota Oyate and Indigenous Nations from across the North American Continent as well as Europe gathered to learn about the Oglala Lakota College’s Math and Science Department Student Research, Environmental Issues, and Cultural Sustainability in Lakota Land.  Time was taken to honor the warriors that fought at Wounded Knee in 1973 for their spirituality and Liberation to be Indigenous in their own lands.  Pride, strength, and vision were values that resulted from this historic event. 

In the afternoon, a little over 100 people from high school to elderly gathered at the Pahin Sinte College Center in Porcupine, SD to learn about current environemental research that is taking place at the Oglala Lakota College(OLC)Math and Science Department as well as Cultural and Environmental Impact issues in the Great Sioux Nation.  Lester Richards-OLC AISES President and Engineering student, and Dr. Hannan Lagarry PhD.-OLC Math and Science Chairman, served as the afternoon session Master of Ceremonies.  The afternoon was opened up with an overall update of the Oglala Lakota College Math and Science Department.  Presentations from the Math and Science Department included: “Updates on GIS and LIDAR,” which was presented by Willis Zephier who is an OLC student majoring in Natural Science with an emphasis on Earth Science; “Fluoride and Water,” presented by Ladonna No Neck who is an OLC student majoring in Business and Natural Science with an emphasis in Earth Science; “Electromagnetic Radiation and how can it be Dangerous,” presented by Ulrike Werner an OLC graduate with a BS in Natural Science-Earth Science Emphasis.  Mr. Warren “Gus” Yellow Hair and Mr. Dallas Chief Eagle, who are both a part of the Indigenous Men’s Oyate Non-Profit Organization, presented on Cultural Sustainability in Lakota Country.  “The Tar Sands,” was presented by Chief Terrance Nelson of the First Nation Roseau River Ojibway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. American Indian Movement Leader Mr. Clyde Bellecourt spoke about the movement giving motivation and strength to the listening audience.  AIM Member and Wounded Knee 1973 Veteran, Mr. Edgar Bear Runner, gave a Lakota perspective on Conservation Biology and his perspective of the last 40 years in Lakota Country. 

Following the afternoon sessions, there was a traditional feed at the Porcupine Clinic.  The meal was sponsored by various Porcupine community members, the Red Lake Nation of Red Lake, MN, and AISES Chapter members.  Children and grandchildren of Wounded Knee Veterans, the Late Oscar and Grace Bear Runner, spent the day preparing food for the meal, as well as members of the OLC AISES Chapter and Ojibway tribal members.

The doors at the Porcupine Day School opened up at 6:30pm for a night of Music and Science.  The OLC Math and Science Department Information Booth and K-12 Outreach were set up in the dining hall, along with booths from different non-profits such as the American Indian Movement.  Information about how to apply for college, The Math and Science Department information, as well as information from the OLC Suicide Prevention Program was available for the audience.  The OLC NASA SEMAA Lakota Planetarium was set up and showcased the Lakota Astronomy for all who participated.  The OLC Little Shop of Physics was very popular and was enjoyed by all ages.  These innovative hands-on booths are stemmed from a partnership with the Colorado State University Little Shop of Physics in Fort Collins, CO.

The Concert was an event in itself and rocked the roof off of Pahin Sinte Owayawan.  Mr. Tom Cheyenne from AIM Grassroots opened up the night with a prayer and the world champion singing group “Midnight Express” sang an honoring song for all of the Wounded Knee Veterans.  The Masters Of Ceremonies for the Concert were Mr. Dennis Banks-AIM Leader and Mr. Milo Yellow Hair-AIM Member and Wounded Knee 1973 Veteran.  Opening for the night was given by Wounded Knee Veterans, Edgar Bear Runner and Don Cuny.  Performing Musicians traveled from all over the country to help in the great effort to empower the youth of the Lakota Nation.  The three-time Native American Music Award Winner-Michael Butcher, Red Soul, Margo Thunderbird, Indigenous, Vaghn Vargas, Larry Long, Scatter Their Own, Rez Rock and K-Dawg were the performers.  There was also a special presentation by Wakiyan Two Bulls who performed a song on the Lakota Flute.  It was a night full of good energy and positive hope for the future generations to come.