Higher education in Lakota Country: 203 graduates at Oglala Lakota College

KYLE – Friday, June 7, 2024 marked the 51st Annual Graduation at Oglala Lakota College in Kyle on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Despite the overcast skies and the possibility of rain, the vibrant display of colors and patterns in the multitude of quilts crafted by the graduates’ families added a touch of brightness to the day.

These quilts were folded over the back of the chairs and in many cases, matched the colors of the clothing the graduates wore to their commencement. Seating was arranged under a covering of sculptural geometric forms that appeared kite-like as if they were about to take flight. It served as a powerful symbol for the 203 individuals that were about to receive their degrees and certificates after completing years of study in most cases and many obstacles along the way. This graduation highlighted Lakota culture with music and spontaneous dance and illustrated the powerful role family plays in the journey of individual intellectual advancement.

The class of 2024 is the largest in the history of the college. The 203 graduates include 12 master’s degrees, 68 bachelor’s degrees, 109 associate’s degrees, and 14 certificates.

The Oglala Lakota College President, Dr. Dawn Tobacco, Two Crow-Frank, served as Master of Ceremonies. Her President’s Welcome set the stage for the celebration and the acknowledgment of a job well done by 203 graduating students. In her speech, she states “Our leaders founded the College on the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. They built the College to ensure that our people thrive through education, to preserve our language, culture and traditions, and to contribute meaningfully to our society. Our graduates are the embodiment of this mission.”

She went on to say, “Graduates, as you enter the next chapter of your life, remember the lessons learned at Oglala Lakota College. Remember what your elders have taught you, how your peers have supported you, and that you are never alone. You have your ancestors behind you and are part of a vibrant and enduring community that stands with you.”

The Creek Side Singers performed the Lakota Flag Song. Spiritual leader/Member of the Oglala Lakota College Council of Elders Richard Moves Camp gave the opening and closing prayers.

Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Stars Come Out spoke of the entwined wisdom of the ancestors in support of the promise of the future. The preservation of the language, culture and tradition were now the responsibility of these graduating students. He reminded the audience of the many issues some students faced along with their academic challenges. Family members played a role in the success of these students.

President Stars Come Out emphasized that this celebration is a reflection of the community, a vibrant community that stands alongside these graduating students. He urged the graduates to seek wisdom as they step into their role as the next generation of warrior visionaries. Their role is to be part of the Oglala Sioux Tribe as leaders in overcoming the barriers the tribe faces with their newly acquired tool of education. The Oglala Sioux Tribe stands strong among the 576 tribes in the United States. It is comprised of resilient people. He charged the graduates with keeping their heads up and to not give up, to keep pushing forward.

Dennis Brewer, the President of the Oglala Lakota Board of Trustees, has been with the college for 36 years. He made a point of thanking the families of the graduates for standing by the students, making sure they received a quality education even with the bed weather, muddy roads, and sometimes, no roads at all. He asked that the audience to keep in mind all of the people that Oglala Lakota College serves and for the graduates to remember that they are surrounded by people who care for them.

Brian Dodge was one of the two speakers for the graduating class. He received an MA in Arts and Leadership. He told his fellow classmates to be proud of all your accomplishments and encouraged them to become life-long learners. He shared that Oglala Lakota College saved his life by giving him the support he needed to make the move from prison cell to classroom. Brian reminded the audience that education can empower marginalized people who remain largely invisible to the rest of America.  Education provides opportunity and can uplift people. It confirms that people can improve their own lives instead of looking for others to do it for them. Education returns Native people to a place of relevance in America. After all, the country still belongs to the Indigenous people.

The second speaker from the graduating Class of 2024 was Gary D. Pourier, Jr. who received his BA in Lakota Studies and Indian Law. Gary emphasized that Oglala Lakota College has become a role model for other tribal colleges and greatly appreciated the caliber of the faculty at OLC. He stressed to the audience that “if I can do it so can you.” 

The Keynote Speaker at the event was Elaine Yellow Horse, JD. Elaine grew up in the Wounded Knee district and hitchhiked to attend classes at Oglala Lakota College. She graduated from law school in 2022 and is currently working on her memoir. She reminded the graduates that it was not so long ago that she was sitting in the same seat where they are now. Many times she thought of quitting but her six aunts urged her to finish her degree. In fact, she dropped out five times before being awarded her diploma. The education prepared her to develop her skills in support of her people. Elaine made the point that the Lakota Nation is driving education, turning out teachers, nurses, and other Indigenous leaders through intervention.

The degrees were then awarded to 203 graduates including 12 master’s degrees, 68 bachelor’s degrees, 109 associate’s degrees, and 14 certificates.

A powwow followed the graduation ceremony at Oglala Lakota College’s Piya Wiconi powwow grounds southwest of Kyle.

(Mia Feroleto can be reached at mia.feroleto@gmail.com)

 

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