Lakota Women Warriors with organizers of the Women Are Sacred Conference. Photo by Richie Richards
Lakota Women Warriors inspire
By Richie Richards
Native Sun News Staff Writer RAPID CITY –– The choice of leaving a tribal community to join the military is a commendable act. But leaving the country to join a war on foreign soil is an act of heroism few Native Americans experience. When these brave women and men soldiers return, they are placed at the top of the social stratus and revered for their courage and selflessness. When these veterans give back to their people through mentorship and community service, this becomes part of their own sacred journey to healing. A conversation between fellow veterans in 2012 led to the idea of forming a color guard made up of Lakota women and in October of 2014 this dream came into fruition when the Lakota Women Warriors (LWW) made their first appearance together at the He Sapa Wacipi – Black Hills Powwow in Rapid City. The Lakota Women Warriors are made up of founding members Kella K. With Horn (Army), Lisa Jendry (Army), Brenda White Bull (Marines), and Danielle Decoteau (Navy) with new members soon joining them as well. Since then LWW has been color guard at the Sisseton Veteran’s Powwow, Brighton Days Celebration for the Seminole Nation, Virgil Hill’s “One Last Stand” fight, Vietnam Veterans Celebration in Ft. Berthold, N.D. and the Timeout Wacipi in Grand Forks, N.D. According to their website, “The Lakota Women Warriors have many goals in mind but most importantly inspiring the youth, especially young Native American Women. Each member of the Lakota Women Warriors has her own story, she represents her individual service branch, and the era in which she has served. All different but in many ways the same.”
The Lakota Women Warriors at the Women Are Sacred Conference Powwow in Rapid City, South Dakota. Photo from Facebook
On June 1-3, the LWW were asked to be color guard for the Women Are Sacred Conference Powwow in Rapid City. Later this summer, the Lakota Women Warriors will color guard for the Seneca Nation Veterans Powwow in Salamanca, N.Y. on July 17-19 and for a WNBA Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream on July 31. Earlier this year, South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard proclaimed March 20, 2015 “Lakota Women Warriors – Native American Military Color Guard Day. The Proclamation reads, “South Dakota is encouraged to recognize the generations of Native American women veterans who have served proudly and courageously for this great state and nation and who played a vital role in defending our country and maintaining freedom…” The Lakota Women Warriors wants to lend their support to returning veterans and be a positive influence in their community. If you would like more information, please visit their website at www.lakotawomenwarriors.org or Like their Facebook page @ The Lakota Women Warriors. (Contact Richie Richards at staffwriter@nsweekly.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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