[The family group who hunts buffalo]
Our Tiyospaye [ Tee-Yosh-pa-yay ] began in the Spring of 2003.
We were first recruited for Kevin Costner's Tatanka:Story of the Bison. We gave interpretive programs ,breaking new grounds,with the help of Chris Ravenshead and Jacques Petryszyn,and their knowledge of Lakota Oyate pre-reservation way of life.
Each of us brought to life our own way of presenting a program,which was not only interesting ,but also very educational.Our audience were very "captivated" When we "released" them,they felt like they had just met Lakota people from the 1840 's and stepped in the 19th century.We had a strong return audience.
In the fall of 2003 ,we were given the chance to do a real Buffalo Hunt,on the "Wild Idea Buffalo Ranch"owned by Dan o'Brien .From the beginning to the end of the hunt,everything was done the Lakota Way.There was born "WANAUNSAPI TIYOSPAYE""The family group who hunts buffalo".
We had learned so much about ourselves and our abilities,we knew this could only be a beginning.
In the Spring of 2004,the town of Hill City,SD,became our campground.We called ourselves "WICOTI" [wee-tcho-tee]. We had our own actual braintanned buffalo hide Tipi,
a beautiful camping area,and a creek running through it. Hides were tanned,meat was butchered and dried, mocassins were made,everyday we were busy cooking .The children played Lakota games by the tipis and in the little creek by the camp. Life was GOOD.
And as usual,a white American with a superiority complex and an alcool problem destroyed our Lakota Camp life [for the second time]
We had to move camp again,this time we have really learned our lesson.
Wanaunsapi Tiyospaye consists of only Lakota/Dakota, Cheyenne, Anishinabe, Seneca and recently transplanted Europeans,and ONLY the tiyospaye is involved.We all proudly are drug and alcohol free,and we are a strong Lakota Tiyospaye.
When you camp with us,you will never want to leave!You will be transported to the 19th century.Brush up on your Lakota ....for this is what we speak.
NITA BALD EAGLE
