Lakota Spirituality

Instructor: Roger White Eyes

This semester-long Senior elective will focus on the religious traditions of the Lakota people. Students will do an in-depth study of the sacred pipe and the sacred rituals associated with it, as well as study other ceremonial practices.

Course Objectives

1. Students will grow in their knowledge and understanding of Lakota spirituality and ceremonies.
2. Students will deepen in their appreciation of Lakota identity.
3. Students will grow in the Lakota values of respect, generosity, courage, wisdom, fortitude, and sobriety.

Course Topics

1. Teachings of the sacred pipe
2. The seven sacred rites – keeping of the soul, sweat lodge, vision quest, sun dance, making of relatives, coming of age, and the throwing of the ball
3. Ohunkankan, ehanni and wicoiyake – stories of long ago, creation stories, and legends
4. Research project – based on a specific ceremony, spiritual leader, or historical event
5. Other ceremonial practices – yuwipi, ghost dance, Native American Church , traditional foods
6. Lakota values

Evaluation
Assignments = 40%
Research project = 25%
Journaling = 10%
Tests = 25%