The Journey's End

Today I spent the morning with Geraldine and Kenny Provencial and their family as they set up their booth at the PowWow. It is always a treat to experience this annual " family reunion" for native peoples. Relatives return from all over the country. Traditional regalia, dances, food and conversation fill the fairgrounds. Below are some pictures from this year's PowWow.

Entrepreneurs  at work!!

As we come to this journey's end, the hardest part for me is leaving Geraldine. She is an amazing Lakota woman who is achieving so much, against so many odds. In April, 2018, Geraldine will be the first in her family to receive a Master's  Degree. We have spent most of these past three weeks together in bereavement training and support.

 Geraldine and I are deeply grateful to my SSJ Congregation's Mission Fund which made this experience possible                      for Geraldine and for so many of her people. We say "Wopila" ..Thanks....one and all!!

Final Week

After a busy week of trainings and individual bereavement sessions, this final week got off to a memorable start. On Sunday evening, the three Nebraska families who have been so generously giving me hospitality gathered for a meal at the home of Phyllis and Charlie Ward, my final host and hostess. I am humbled by the graciousness of these Midwest ranchers and farmers.

 Today I gathered a group of Lakota women for a reunion. We joined others here at the Mission to witness the eclipse. An unforgettable moment for all of us.

Weekend Events

7am
After a week of sharing in the grief of the Lakota, a weekend at the Cherry County Fair and Rodeo was a refreshing way to renew my spirit. My host and hostess served on the Committee, so I was introduced to this mid-West cultural event by the best.

On Sunday, I companioned a group of Nebraska folk to St. Francis Mission for Mass and their first look at the magnificent Church there. Fr. Anthony Lusvardi, SJ presided. He was ordained on June 3 and returned to the Mission for the first time as a priest. Father served here for 3 years during his Formation and loves the Lakota. That was so evident in his joyful celebration.

Heading to White River, SD  shortly to offer bereavement support at a recovery center there.

1pm
Visited with Jim Stands at White River Recovery Center. He will incorporate added  bereavement work into his successful recovery program. St. Francis Mission sponsors this Recovery center.

Will be working with groups at Indian Health on Tues. and Thurs. Prayers appreciated. Happy Feast of Assumption!!

Meeting Ben Rhodd

Today's meeting with Ben Rhodd will long live in my grateful memory. Ben took time before heading to the Sundance to visit with me and share the work he has been doing as Sicangu Lakota's archeologist. Much of his work over these past two years has been spent on the Recovery of the Carlisle Children's Remains Project. I look forward to on-going communication with Ben and this project.

As is the case everywhere, there is often a strong woman behind a man. Here is Kathy who has staffed this Rosebud Tribal Historic Preservation Office before Russell and Ben came on board. She was the go-to person who helped me make the connections I did today. Wopila, Kathy!!

Wopila Tanka!

Wopila Tanka is Lakota for "Thank You, Divine Mystery!!" I began my day with this prayer.
Thanks to all of you for your prayerful support. Over the last two days, I have been traveling the Reservation with my Lakota colleague, Geraldine. Amazing paths have opened before us, so I know we are being carried on the wings of all of your prayers.

We have been able to coordinate with the Tribe and the Mission in offering bereavement education and support efforts planned for this week and next. People are hungry for this resourcce!!

Today and Friday I will be meeting individuals at the Mission and in their homes to offer support. On Thursday, Aug. 10, I'll be hosting two open grief education sessions..1 pm and 7 pm. Next Tues. & Thurs., I'll be working with tribal counsellors from IHS (Indian Health Services,) Juvenile Detention Center, Adult Correction Center and Home for Abandoned Children. All of this is such a form of reconciliation on many levels. I truly feel your prayerful support with me, working wonders. " Where one of us is, all of us are." Wopila Tanka.

In today's Philadelphia Inquirer, Jeff Gammage continues his superb coverage of Arapaho Indians recovery of remains of their children from Carlisle gravesite. The powerful image on the front page captures so well the poignancy of this moment. Please see: RETURNING HOME

I am writing this entry in the office of Russell Eagle Bear, Lakota historian here on the Rosebud. It was youth from this Reservation who initiated this current process of the return of the children's remains. Many tribes are joining in this sacred effort. It will be an honor to meet and visit with Roger today. Must sign off for now. Pictures to follow over the weekend, hopefully.

Nebraska Hospitality

During my weeks here, I will be blessed in the hospitality of Valentine, Nebraska, right over the South Dakota border from the Reservation. Pictured below are (right to left, Dick and Anne Clark (and Jada); Bernard and Lovella Miles who are providing a home for me throughout these three weeks.

Sunday on the St. Francis Mission

Today I traveled from Valentine, Nebraska where I am staying with Dick and Anne Clark, a wonderful couple who are offering me hospitality in their home for the week. After a good sleep to catch me up to the time zone changes of the last few days, I proceeded to drive 40 miles to St. Francis Mission for Mass. St. Charles is fondly referred to as the Lavender Church around here. As you can see, the inside has been beautifully restored under the careful eye of Fr. John Hatcher, SJ. For two years his nephew, George lived on the Mission and hand-painted everything in this magnificent Church.
I've included a photo of today's lector, Nicholas and his daughter, Beverly in her first Communion veil.
The Lakota are very proud of St. Kateri, one of their own. This lovely shrine below is in a prominent place on the Church grounds