The dreaded last day…the day that I usually spend in an absolute funk. This year was different though–maybe because of the relief of finishing my capstone presentation; finally deciding to accept that no matter what else could be done, I have to be happy with what was accomplished; or just the pleasure of seeing my students’ responses to their experiences. Anyway, this last day was a good day for once.
We started our day at the Oglala Lakota College School of Nursing, meeting with Michelle Bruns, the program director. We have been visiting the school of nursing since 2011, and I have had the pleasure this year to get to know one of their students a bit. She is a member of one of the families that I met during my very first visit to the reservation in 2011. She will be starting her second year at the college this fall and will graduate in May. I am very happy to offer her encouragement and support whenever possible–her becoming an RN will make a huge difference to her entire family. The school of nursing always offers our students a nice reality check–even though they may have complaints about their school, it would be much more challenging to be a nursing student at Pine Ridge.
After this visit, we went to the Red Cloud Indian School. We don’t always get to visit this site, but when we do, I always go in the church. As described in a previous blog, this is one of the most beautiful churches that I have ever seen. I took a few minutes to sit and close my eyes and reflect on the trip and our experiences. There are some places on the reservation that are always a trigger for my tears, and this church is usually not one. However, I found myself with tears today during my quiet time–even with the conditions on the reservation and the past history of the Wounded Knee Massacre and other episodes of violence, I find Pine Ridge to be a peaceful place. Today I found my peace in the church; I am so grateful for all of the experiences of this trip. I always consider it a privilege, and this trip has been no different. The trip has been hectic, the few minutes of peace and quiet in reflection were much appreciated.
Our friends, the Elk Family, made time for us during their very busy sundance and pow wow week to talk to the group about Wounded Knee. Emerson spent much time with the students and provided his unique and moving account on the history of Wounded Knee and the massacre. Many students found this experience to be emotional, and the trip to the burial site is especially stirring. After spending time with Emerson, Jerilyn, Kathy, and Emmaline and buying some beautiful beadwork (I got a turtle dreamcatcher from Kathy that is quite unique, as well as some Elk hide earrings from Jerilyn), we were off to the motel for our last evening at the Lakota Prairie.
Nursing Students at Pine Ridge 