| Cannon Ball, North Dakota

M.S. Ed., Dakota Hunkpati
FORT THOMPSON – The Dakota Hunkpati Kunsi-Unci Society had its beginnings in 2014 when the late Stella Pretty Sounding Flute, Dakota Hunkpati, expressed her wishes for Oyate to bring back the sacred “Horse dance.”
Paying tribute to Stella’s request, her niece Belinda F. Joe (Rencountre), Jean Fleury, California, and Dr. Stephanie Smiles (Pratt), England, formed the Society which was recognized by the Crow Creek Tribal Council in resolution form. At that time Ms. Belinda, Ms. Jean and Dr. Stephanie were given “Peace Ambassador” titles, whose purpose was to initiate kunsi-unci circles at local and global gatherings where their voices would be heard.
Through encouragement from the late Marie Randall, the Society made a commitment to sponsor a four-year sacred horse dance with guidance from spiritual leader Arvol Looking Horse. The Society completed their vow in 2017 after four years.
Today, grandmothers Dr. Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo (Ziegler), Belinda F. Joe, M.S. Ed., and Joanne “Uma” Wilkerson, Jean Fleury, M.S. Psychology Counseling and Dr. Stephanie Pratt continue to host kunsi-unci omniciye as they strive to bring grandmothers together in many circles and horse rides. These circles promote: Winyan Woyuonihan Ikikcupi (Women – take back honor); strengthen our backbones (Marie Randall) and Wacin Tanka (take courage) (Stella Pretty Sounding Flute).
Grandmothers from the four directions have brought prayers, encouragement, songs and a return of old ceremonies to the Dakota Hunkpati Oyate. The late Carol Herrera-Iron Rope and relatives Phyllis Swift Hawk, Wambli, SD and Violet Catches have brought sacred teachings to share with grandmothers and pay tribute to Mni Wiconi and traditional ways of old.
Seeing the urgent need to come together as kunsi-unci and winyan, a Lakota male relative shared this statement: “Now is the time for women to come together and take action.”
The above-named grandmothers have taken our relative’s words to heart, and they will sponsor a Sacred Fire: Sacred Wisdom gathering on October 6, 2023 in Fort Thompson, SD, home of the Dakota Hunkpati. Dakota relatives from the north, Edmonton, Canada, will bring their teachings and youth runners, to help grandmothers strengthen our circles.
With history in the making, on 10-7-23, youth and adult runners and families will participate in the Nakpikpiya (Sparks of Light) Youth Run from Lower Brule, SD, to The Flags in Fort Thompson, SD. Our male relatives are encouraged to embrace Wicasta-Wicasa Woyuonihan Ikikcupi (Men take back honor).
To honor the kunsi-unci goals for unity, healing and empowerment, Whitney Rencountre, CEO, Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, will share encouragement and his journey with Crow Creek Tribal School (CCTS) students and staff on October 3, 2023. Whitney is a graduate of CCTS and this presentation is his desire “To give back.” – Wodakota-Wolakota.
Our youth’s voices will be heard and validated, for it is a kunsi-unci prophecy our youth will take a powerful message to the highest office in the land, whose purpose is to help elevate the status of women. Let us come together in mind, spirit and cante’ to strengthen our youths’ backbones and empower their voices.
We invite all grandmothers, winyan and male relatives to participate in our next circle on 10-6-23 in Fort Thompson, SD, and 10-7-23 youth run. Bring your gifts, wisdom and presence, beautiful relatives. Our youth are watching …. “We shall be known by the tracks we leave.” -Dakota proverb (Author unknown).
Dr. Alfreda Bear Track, Algeo (Ziegler)
Belinda F. Joe (Rencountre), M.S. Ed.
Joanne “Uma” Wilkerson
Jean Fleury
Dr. Stephanie Smiles (Pratt)