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SD GEARUP Summer Students Complete Tipi Building Session




 

 

Incoming Freshmen students from the SD GEARUP Summer Honors session participated in a unique and traditional science activity near Porcupine SD on June 4 and 5. A group of 43 young men got hands-on training and experience in tipi building on June 4, followed by a cohort of 75 young women received hands-on training in tipi building on June 5. The activity was coordinated by SD GEARUP staff member Randilynn Bourcher (Isantiwinyan).

The tipi team building activity turned out to be a great opportunity for the youth to gain not only Lakota knowledge, but also team building and leadership skills. The activity engaged the student’s at all different levels and helped them understand the importance working together.

 

 

The day started off with a presentation by Rick Two Dogs (Wakan Iyeska) who came to present to the students about the meaning behind the traditional Lakota tipi. He talked to them about the importance of Waunsila, the first pole of the tipi which is the doorway in. He explained the meaning of Waunsila, meaning compassion and how at one time this value was in every aspect of how the people lived. He also went on to explain that every pole in the tipi represents a teaching and a value.

Students started in groups of 15. The students first learned to pick out poles and set up the tripod. They were then taught the proper way to tie the tipi tripod. Part of their teaching from Mr. Two Dogs explained the relation between the stars and the tripod. After tying up the tripod and setting it up, the students added 7 more poles. After the completion of the frame, students worked together to lift and put up the tipi cover.

 

 

In addition to traditional knowledge, modern geometry is used in the construction of the tipi to choose poles and set them in place. Students had to consider leverage when hoisting the tipi cover. Insulation and ventilation came into play as students considered living conditions inside a tipi.

Science is by definition “the systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation”. What the ancients knew and how they used science to navigate their world is astounding to current researchers. With the Lakota, the traditional knowledge is experiencing a revival as the younger generations understand the expansive scientific comprehension of their ancestors.

After the completion of the activity and setting up the tipis the students took a picture with the tipi they had worked together to set up. Putting up a tipi showed the students it was hard work and team work was possible. After talking with the students they were proud of their accomplishments of working as a team and having gained knowledge about the deeper traditional meaning. The students were very grateful to the presenter and the experience.

For more information on SD Summer GEARUP or the tipi building session contact Darla Drew Lerdal at 605-341- 5940 or Randilynn Boucher at isantiwinyan@gmail.com.


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