Tamera Conroy and her daughter Maria Conroy (center) celebrate along with other graduates during a Feathering Ceremony held in Rapid City Central’s gymnasium on May 18, 2016. Photo by Ernestine Chasing Hawk
Wowitan: Wearing the Wambli Wiyaka with pride and honor
2016 Rapid City Area Schools Native American Graduates
By Ernestine Chasing Hawk
Native Sun News Editor
www.nsweekly.com RAPID CITY –– On May 18, the Tiospaye (families) of the 2016 Native American graduates of the Rapid City Area School System showed up by the hundreds to show their support. As a traditional gesture for earning this rite of passage, 114 Native American students were given a Wambli Wiyaka, Eagle Feather, and a star quilt at the 2016 Feathering and Honoring Ceremony, hosted by Central High School and the Rapid City Area Schools Office of Indian Education. M-Hill Drum Group (Jeremiah Moreno, Maverick Gray Horse, Damon Rooks, Fred Sitting Up and Corey Tobacco) sang the Grand Entry song as the graduate’s proceeded into Central High’s gymnasium. Master of Ceremonies Glen Yellow Robe Jr. introduced Stephen Yellow Hawk who gave the opening prayer. Jr. Bettelyoun Director of Indian Education gave the Welcome Address followed by an address by Dr. Tim Mitchell, RCAS Superintendent. Mitchell said he has attended seven honoring ceremonies and is blown away every time by this prestigious ceremony wherein the Indian community honors their own. “It has been an honor to be at every one of them,” Mitchell said. “Our successes are increasing every year. Congratulations, this is all about your personal resilience to be successful in life.” Staff of the Office of Indian Education came forward and presented Mitchell with a beautifully handcrafted star quilt as a gesture of appreciation for the Native Students he helped nurture to graduation. Lakota Language Instructor at Rapid City Central Harriet Brings, encouraged to the students in her Native language and said she is proud of all of them. “I have a passion for the Lakota Language and this is the generation that is going to save it,” Brings told the 114 Lakota students who each sat in a chair draped with a beautiful star quilt. Dr. Gerald Yellow Hawk who conducted the blessing of the eagle feathers and plumes said, “I am very proud of all of you. You are all my grandchildren. I am too old to run and too old to fight, but not too old to be here to honor you.” Sponsors, standing behind the students, then tied the Wambli Wiyaka in each of their graduate’s hair. “Tunkasila, I am receiving this feather. Help me carry this feather to honor my people,” the elder Yellow Hawk prayed. To the beat of an honor song by M-Hill Drum Group, Wasna and chokecherry juice was then given to all the graduates. A procession followed wherein the Indian community came forward, shook hands, hugged and congratulated the students for accomplishing this milestone in their lives. After a picture taking session, the graduates left behind an indelible mark that will serve to encourage future generations of Indian students that they too can attain this level of higher education, their handprints on three tipi’s that had been erected for the occasion.
For more stories, visit the all new Native Sun News website: Wowitan: Wearing the Wambli Wiyaka with pride and honor (Contact Ernestine Chasing Hawk at editor@nsweekly.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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