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Voice of the Sicangu Lakota Nation live on air




Perry DeCory at the control panel on the first day of broadcast

Perry DeCory at the control panel on the first day of broadcast

ROSEBUD, SD – A stormy winter day which shut down local schools and organizations did not stop KOYA-FM from hitting the airwaves last week. Several people braved the inclement weather to gather at the Rosebud Sioux Tribal headquarters and listen to the initial broadcast of the 51,000 watt radio station located a few miles southeast of here.

“I am honored that you are here to show your support as potential listeners of our radio station,” stated Perry DeCory. He spoke to a roomful of tribal members and guests. “We plan to provide great programming for your listening pleasure.”

Shoo Bear Shield and Perry DeCory present Sandra Black Crow with a starquilt in memory of Thelma Black Crow-Amiotte.

Shoo Bear Shield and Perry DeCory present Sandra Black Crow with a starquilt in memory of Thelma Black Crow-Amiotte.

A 250 foot radio station tower was erected in 2004 and broadcasts are now reaching listeners living many miles away from Rosebud in the South Dakota communities of Pine Ridge, Pierre and Bonesteel. Listeners living as far away as Thedford, Nebraska are also able to tune into the station at 88.1 on their FM radio dial. The concept of a tribally owned and operated radio station has been in the planning stages since the early 1990’s. KOYA is a non-commercial, educational radio station which will provide alternative programming for tribal listeners.

Guests enjoyed a birthday cake in honor of KOYA-FM

Guests enjoyed a birthday cake in honor of KOYA-FM

The station was dedicated to the memory of the late Thelma Black Crow, a long time tribal employee who provided Lakota translations and cultural advice during the planning stages of the radio station. A star quilt in memory of Thelma was presented to her sister Sandra Black Crow. The Rocking K drum group also sang a memorial honor song.

Perry DeCory and Richard Hahn of the construction company which worked on getting KOYA-FM ready to hit the airwaves.

Perry DeCory and Richard Hahn of the construction company which worked on getting KOYA-FM ready to hit the airwaves.

Also remembered was the late Bill Stands who offered assistance in the form of advice about pursuing funding in the form of grants. A Pendleton blanket was donated in Stands’ memory to his family. An honor song was rendered by the Eagle Voice drum group.

The Rocking K drum group composed a “KOYA song” which they sang for the gathering. The song was recorded and will be played on the radio station. Members of Rocking K are Les Makes Room For Them, Marty Makes Room For Them, Darwin Makes Room For Them and Clyde Clairmont.

“This radio station is for our people, I hope you will allow us time to develop because we are just starting. I want you to enjoy our broadcasting,” DeCory stated. Local Lakota artists who would like their songs broadcast on KOYA-FM are encourage to contact him for details.

DeCory, who has many years of experience in broadcast radio, currently serves as the Editor of the Sicangu Eyapaha which is a monthly news publication of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. For more information please call him at (605) 747-2381.




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