Off to the Races–Literally and Figuratively!
On Sunday, we started the day with some sightseeing in the Badlands. I told the students that I would stop wherever and whenever they wanted to take pictures, and this happened early and often. We saw two coyotes early in the trip, followed by two beautiful bucks with the biggest antlers that I have ever seen. The Red Shirt Table overlook was busy today, but we quickly made friends with the group of bikers that had stopped. We also stopped at the White River Visitors Center and had the pleasure of speaking to Emily Bull Bear. A previous group of students and I had met her brother, Marcil, at the Visitor’s Center, and she was as equally kind and friendly. She took some time to explain the process of how porcupine quill work is made. This was fascinating! I have seen and own several pieces of the finished product, but I did not know exactly what the process is for making this beautiful art. After learning the process, I am even more appreciative of the pieces that I have.
We spent more time than planned sightseeing so there was some initial concern by one of the students that there would not be enough time for everything that we had planned. Knowing how things work on the rez as far as time, I was not concerned in the least! We made it to the Indian Relays in Pine Ridge with 10 minutes to spare before the advertised start time, and over an hour later we were still waiting for the races to begin. This was perfect because it allowed us to get set up and start screening up the storm. We had an even bigger response that the previous day at the pow wow. The students are getting to be experts at using the technology, and I again must mention my appreciation for having Jackie with us to help with the Enform app. She fits into the trip perfectly with her easygoing and friendly personality. We met many new friends, including P., a two-year old, who would be riding in the pony race. Yes, you read that right–two-years old riding a horse! He was the most precious thing ever, showing the students how he would be riding with his stick pony. I also met A., who got a screening–she is working for the fire department this summer, but will be a senior at the University of South Dakota. She is considering returning to school for her Masters in Public Health, and I encouraged her to consider IU (also gave her my contact information and encouraged her to get in touch if she needed any help). I really like this setting–it is informal and because people are not coming and going as much as at the pow wow, we can really visit and chat and get to know some of the families.
After screening, screening, and more screening, the relays got started. P. won his pony race, and that was terribly exciting for all of us! We cheered him on like crazy! We moved over to the bleachers to watch the actual relays, and it was even more exciting than last year with multiple riders getting thrown. I had to cover my eyes several times. This was our best day yet, and I am so appreciative of this trip, my students, Jackie, and of course, the Lakota people.
Nursing Students at Pine Ridge 