City plants flower Medicine Wheel in Sioux Park

RAPID CITY – Rapid City Parks Greenhouse Specialist John Berglund might have one of the best jobs in town -planning and planting special floral designs in the city’s parks. This year, he decided to plant a Native American Medicine Wheel design at the Noordermeer Formal Gardens area at Sioux Park. “I love to challenge the crew and layout designs. I like to do different things and for a long time I have wanted to do the Medicine Wheel.” But he said he wanted to do it right, so he consulted with LeFawn Janis (Oglala Lakota) who is the Rapid City Community Relations Commission Coordinator.

Berglund said when he was looking for a place to plant, he knew it had to be at Sioux Park because when he drives by that spot, he is reminded of the Remembering the Children Memorial Walk. “When I’m working and I drive by, and everyone is gathered here for that walk, I just knew this would be the spot. This is the perfect spot for the speakers and it’s a nod to our Native American citizens who live in the area and the city.”

This Formal Gardens has become the starting point for the annual Remembering the Children Memorial Walk which pays tribute to the children who died at the Rapid City Indian Boarding School. This year’s eighth annual walk is scheduled for September 27.

Janis said there are two Medicine Wheels being planted and indicated another flower bed nearby. This planting features a tree, an area for planting the Medicine Wheel around the tree and then all of it encircled by landscaping bricks.

“By the time Fall is here, they’ll be in full bloom and beautiful in time for the Remembering the Children Memorial Walk.”

Janis said the project has been a collaborative effort. “I think this is really great for education and helping to build relationships in Rapid City. Especially since we didn’t have to ask for it. I really appreciate that.”

The Medicine Wheel for the Oceti Sakowin is a sacred symbol which represents all knowledge of the universe and is a symbol of hope. The colors of the Oceti Medicine Wheel are associated with the Four Directions: North is red, East is yellow, South is white, and West is black. The Four Directions represent the four seasons – spring, summer, fall and winter, as well as the four elements of water, air, earth, and fire, the four winds, the four stages of life, and so on. The circle, the lines, and the feather all have meaning, according to St. Joseph’s Indian School website which has adapted their teachings from Black Elk Speaks.

Berglund explained the flowers he chose. “I chose the Coleus Dark Star for black. It has dark purple to black leaves.” He said he chose the Zinnia Zesty Scarlet to represent red, Zinnia Zesty White for white and then the Zinnia Zesty Yellow for yellow.

Berglund was helped by a team from the city attorney’s office who heard about the project and volunteered to assist.

One of Berglund’s crew members, Daeshawn Dreamer (Oglala Lakota), newly graduated from high school awaiting his feathering ceremony said he thinks the project is great. “The Native representation is really cool. I just really appreciate it. John was talking to me about it and wanting to represent Native American people. I appreciate that he asked me for input.”

(Contact Marnie Cook at cookm8715@gmail.com)

The post City plants flower Medicine Wheel in Sioux Park first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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