Curriculum
AKTALAKOTA . ORG
Cultural Studies
Compiled by Pat Henderson
CELEBRATE SOUTH DAKOTA ’ S LAKOTA TRADITIONS
The Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center is located in Chamberlain , South Dakota , on the campus of a residential school for American Indian children . In the native language , Akta Lakota means “ honor the people ,” and the museum honors and promotes the traditions and heritage of the families served by the school .
The museum ’ s exhibits are arranged in a manner reflecting the tribe ’ s philosophy that all things spiritual are inside a circle , or Hocoka . Following that pattern , the exhibits detail the lives of the Lakota people in four periods : prior to Euro-American contact , after the arrival of settlers and traders , during the time of broken promises from the U . S . government , and today .
Students can see culturally relevant art , artifacts and educational displays , as well as a gallery that gives native artists a place to display and sell their work . During strolls around the attraction , they can visit the Medicine Wheel Garden and reflect on a series of Lakota prayers that are displayed on interpretive panels resembling buffalo hides .
There is no entrance fee to the museum , which is open year-round and has extended hours from May to October . Guided tours are available , or groups can browse on their own and view a 23-minute movie , “ Native Americans : The People of the Plains .”
A popular time to visit is during the American Indian Day and Powwow , which will take place this year from Sept . 14 to 16 . Held annually since 1976 , this event showcases many aspects of the Lakota culture . Highlights include Indian drum group competitions , dance contests for Lakota children , tours of the school ’ s campus and a communal banquet featuring traditional foods .
For more information , contact Dixie Thompson at dthompson @ stjo . org or visit aktalakota . org .
PIONEER EXPERIENCES AWAIT AT HERITAGE PARK
Set high above the Salt Lake Valley , This Is The Place Heritage Park offers visitors a look at what life was like for the area ’ s early pioneers . The main attraction is a large heritage village , much like the one those settlers created , that includes more than 40 replica buildings , homes and shops .
“ Youth visiting us will enjoy pioneer experiences that are fun and will also teach them important principles , such as teamwork , determination and friendship ,” says Tresha Kramer , director of public relations / retail and customer relations . “ We hope they leave with a desire to learn more about their own family heritage and history .”
One of the most requested programs for school groups is Then and Now . This one- or two-day experience helps participants connect with social customs from early times through interactive games , cooking demonstrations , family history activities and more .
As part of A Day in the Life of a Pioneer Village , students go to different historical buildings and interact with the blacksmith , the saddle maker , the weaver and other costumed interpreters . They also visit a mammoth teepee to learn about Native American dancing and culture .
Two other popular options are Day Trek , a team-building activity requiring students to push and pull a pioneer-era cart up the mountain , and Networking Socially , which highlights the importance of good manners for youth and includes a dance and a meal .
To find out more , contact Kramer at tkramer @ thisistheplace . org or visit thisistheplace . org .
Day Trek program at This Is The Place Heritage Park
THIS IS THE PLACE
36 NTA Trip Planner for Student Travel