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STAND TALL

SPRING 2022

Stories of Red Cloud Schools, The Heritage Center, Pastoral Ministries


Black Elk Peak

Black Elk Peak, the highest natural point in South Dakota, is named after holy man Nicholas Black Elk, who has been canonized for sainthood.

WÓČHEKIYE UŊ AWÁŊWIČHAYAŊKÁPI / PASTORAL CARE

Honoring Nicholas Black Elk’s Vision

At over 7,000 feet, Black Elk Peak stands tall over the sacred Black Hills. Atop the rugged mountain, Nicholas Black Elk had his first vision at 9 years old: “the whole hoop of the world. The shapes of all things in spirit...as they must live together like one being.”

Black Elk was a revered Oglala Lakȟóta holy man who became a devout Catholic catechist, or religious teacher. He spent his life sharing his belief in the parallels between Lakȟóta and Catholic spirituality — for which he has been nominated for canonization. Each June, in celebration of his life, parishioners from across Red Cloud’s six Catholic churches walk in pilgrimage to the same mountain top the Oglala Lakȟóta holy man’s journey of faith began.

For Lakȟóta Catholics, Black Elk’s life provides a deep well of inspiration — and an example of how unity can overcome division.

“For some of us, being raised Lakȟóta, our grandparents were against Christian beliefs, because they felt it clashed with Christian beliefs,” said Quincy Red Feather, who attends Sacred Heart Church in Pine Ridge. “I like Black Elk’s teachings because they transcend...the gap between our Lakȟóta traditions and the Christians beliefs.”

Joyce Tibbitts, Red Cloud’s pastoral associate, is a long-time parishioner at St. Agnes Church, the very parish where Black Elk served and where he was laid to rest. Though the hike up the mountain was physically painful for her, Black Elk’s spirit gave her inspiration.

“Nicholas is the greatest example of being fully Lakȟóta and fully Catholic,” she said. “He
has helped guide my ministry here on Pine Ridge. I know I want to try and transform the world around me like Nicholas did, to provide that example of how to walk the Red Road in the midst of hardships and tragedy.”

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