From June through July, Sinte Gleska University Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi “Bringing the Family Back to Life” offered the following Sunkawakan (Horse) Culture Camps to Sicangu Lakota children from the Rosebud Reservation. Three of the camps were day camps held at the SGU Horse Ranch outside of Mission on the Rosebud Reservation.
The boys’ camp was an overnight camp held at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Alcohol Program in Rosebud. Teen horse handler training camp included eight youth ages 15 to18. After completing the training, seven youth from this camp were hired for eight weeks to assist with the remaining camps. Next came the Wicincala (younger girls) day camp with 10 participants ages 8 to 11 years, followed by Hoksila na Koskala (boys) overnight camp with 20 participants ranging from 8 to 18 years, and finally the Wikoskalaka (older girls) day camp had 10 participants ranging from 12 to 18 years.
All camps started with teachings about Mitakuye Oyasin (relationship with all of creation) by TGKP staff. Differences, diversity and inclusivity were also discussed. Youth were then introduced to their relatives, the Sunkawakan Oyate (Horse Nation.) Campers spent time connecting with their new relatives, learning about horse anatomy and safety and how to groom and take care of the horses before they learned how to ride. Every day included riding time.
For the first time, the Teen Horse Handler Training Camp offered first aid, CPR and first responder training for emergencies. Teens received certificates for the training. Nutrition, hydration and diabetes were also included in the training topics.
Visit http://www.tiwahe.org/ for more information.
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