Lakota immersion school is a journey of cultural roots and modern learning for student

RAPID CITY – At Oceti Sakowin Community Academy (OSCA), education goes far beyond traditional textbooks and standardized curricula. This unique institution is pioneering an approach that weaves Lakota culture, language, and values into every aspect of learning, creating a supportive environment where Native American students can thrive while staying connected to their heritage.

The school’s innovative approach is evident in classes like AI literacy, where students learn cutting-edge technology while incorporating their cultural background and native language. “It’s beautiful to see students confident in their identity and culture,” reflects Mary Bowman (Oglala Lakota), Founder, Head of School and Unci of the Oceti Sakowin, describing how students express themselves unapologetically while mastering challenging subjects.

Central to the academy’s mission is the preservation and celebration of Lakota language and culture. The school has become a place where both students and staff learn together, with some educators becoming fluent in Lakota within a year of joining the community. Morning circle activities set the tone for days filled with cultural relevance and geographic connections to Lakota knowledge and stories.

The academy’s holistic approach extends beyond academics. When students face personal challenges, the school community provides crucial emotional support, creating a safe space for processing difficult emotions while maintaining high academic expectations.

When five-year old Jrianna walked through the doors of the OSCA for kindergarten in 2022, she carried the weight of loss that had dimmed her natural brightness. Her father had been the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Her mother, Shena, had watched as her daughter struggled with the grief that seemed too heavy for such small shoulders. Shena said the public schools where her children attended tried to give advice “They would say that their dad is in a better place, but the kids didn’t understand that. Now this school,” said Shena, referring to the Lakota immersion school, “they let the kids feel their emotions, don’t try to give them advice, just let them feel.”

For many Lakota students who often feel marginalized in traditional educational settings, OSCA offers something transformative: a place where cultural identity is not just accepted but celebrated. Students develop strong senses of self while excelling academically, supported by an environment that emphasizes mutual help over competition.

“The importance of cultural identity and self-awareness for Indigenous students” cannot be overstated, as many have historically felt “disconnected from their heritage” in conventional school settings.

Bowman said the foundation of the immersion school is that each student is seen as a relative. “How would you want your child to be treated? That’s how we treat them here,” said Bowman.

She said it’s important the children feel sense of belonging. “I went through Rapid City Area Schools and never felt a sense of belonging. It is such a great need, according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, it’s one of the most basic needs – a sense of belonging.” She said public schools are much like boarding schools in that there is no celebration of diversity.”

Bowman said at the Academy, the kids are learning who they are and where they come from. “Our culture is very, very beautiful. The word ‘Lakota’ means ‘friend.’ We were friendly as long as you were good to us. I remind the kids of that every morning during the morning circle. We have one role and it’s to be a good relative to everybody and everything. They are taught that everything has a spirit, including plans and animals.”

Students learn daily cultural practices that include participating in smudging ceremonies and meditation. Students learn Lakota vocabulary and phrases throughout the day. Homework includes labeling household items in Lakota at home. This way, they become “language warriors” carrying knowledge forward to future generations. Language learning is integrated across subjects, not taught in isolation. A home-school connection is encouraged by engaging families. Students teach their families what they learn thereby bridging the gap for those who were deprived by federal policies from learning their tribal languages.

Recently, each student was interviewed. “We found that overwhelmingly students feel like they’re learning their culture and their language,” said Bowman, “and they love that, and they want more. They want to learn more Lakota. Our Indigenous students do better, and I feel they’re fully capable. I want us to push them harder in reading and math and we can do that because they are so confident.”

As a privately funded institution, the academy faces ongoing challenges, particularly vulnerability to political and economic changes. However, the school’s commitment to its mission remains unwavering, with programs like “Grow Your Own” encouraging staff members to pursue teaching degrees and expand the community of culturally connected educators.

Bowman said this academic year brings exciting growth for OSCA, with 70 students now filling classrooms from kindergarten through third grade. A significant grant from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, a federally recognized tribe of Serrano people in San Bernardino, County California, has helped with the expansion.

The academy represents more than just an alternative educational option—it’s a “beacon of hope” for the communities seeking to preserve their culture while preparing students for success in the modern world. Through its unique blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary learning, Oceti Sakowin Community Academy is proving that education can honor the past while building toward the future.

(Contact Marnie Cook at cookm8715@gmail.com)

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