Iktomi and My Band of Tricksters

I learned several new Lakota words during this trip, and while I don’t have the expertise to use them in a sentence, the word, Iktomi, is appropriate for the final blog title.

Iktomi–a spider-trickster spirit and cultural hero for the Lakota

After returning home from every trip, I can’t help but reflect, taking the quality improvement approach that I have always used for my nursing practice and teaching career.  More, better, enough, what else?  These are all things that I think about, but this year I am also thinking a lot about my students.

After this trip, I have now taken over 70 nursing students to Pine Ridge.  I have so many good memories, and my most fulfilling experiences as a faculty member have been in witnessing the transformations that occur during the trip to Pine Ridge.  My students are all so different, and that includes the group from this year.  Frankly, this group was one of a kind–I have never had to ask a group to edit blog posts for professional tone!  They embodied the trickster spirit of the Iktomi from Lakota culture.

With all of the laughing, singing, and shenanigans, I wondered at times if they were getting what they should and needed from the trip.  But just like the Iktomi of Lakota culture who can be portrayed as a troublemaker, or, as a trickster spirit that possesses dignity and seriousness, this group provided me with another great lesson.   Even with this dichotomy of personality, care, respect, and helping were just as present as the mischief.

The personal interactions, screenings, and health education provided were the most of any trip, and while higher numbers are great, truly the personal connections, compassion, caring, and sincere desire to learn about the Lakota culture are just as important.  This trip provided both.

So, to the Band of Tricksters or Iktomi, thank you for all of the laughs and for your very compassionate care of our new Lakota friends!