LAKOTA SPIRITUALITY
Lakota Spirituality...
Visitors to this web site especially regarding this menu selection on Lakota spirituality need to be aware that there are currently controversial issues surrounding the exploitation, commercialization and abuse of traditional Lakota spiritual practices in Indian country.  This Rosebud tribal web site provides you, the viewer, with the views and opinions of the majority of the Sun Dance leaders of the Rosebud Reservation.  We do not attempt, nor speak, for the rest of the Oceti Sakowin or Seven Council Fire bands regarding this topic, but only strive to promote the Do's and Don'ts regarding the behavior and attitudes of all people who are uniformed about one of our customs.  Please be mindful and allow us, the Lakota people, to address and manage our internal issues and take care of our own issues.  We know what the problems are and we will take care of this in our own way.

This information was developed with the ideas, participation and final review from the Sun Dance leaders of the 13 Sun Dances held on the Rosebud Reservation.  Their honesty, sincerity and guidance regarding information that visitors are told certain rules, ethics and behavior is greatly appreciated.  The Sun Dance leaders provide the prevailing direction for this tribal program to abide by regarding, protecting and preserving Lakota spirituality. 

It is the policy of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Department of Tourism not to divulge the names, locations and dates of Sun Dances held on the Rosebud Reservation.  This policy is the consensus of the said Sun Dance Leaders.

  PRESERVING AND PROTECTING
LAKOTA SPIRITUALITY

As practiced by the Sicangu Lakota Oyate on the
Rosebud Sioux Reservation
Rosebud, South Dakota

Dear Friend...

The Sicangu Lakota or Burnt Thigh People extend sincere greetings to you. The Sicangu Lakota were a plains-hunting people who live in the Great Plains Region of South & North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, Montana and Canada.

The ending of the 19th century saw the Lakota People fighting  to maintain control of their way of life and their homelands. In the 20th century, the Sicangu Lakota were granted, by the American Indian Religion Freedom Act of 1978, the right to preserve and protect their religious freedom. Prior to this, the Lakota were forbidden to practice their spiritual beliefs.

Disrespect of Lakota ceremonies is NOT acceptable. The Lakota People believe it is important to emphasize, to non-Indian and Indian alike, the respect and protection of sacred ceremonies.

The Lakota People were given seven sacred rites by which they live. The Sun Dance ceremony is one of these, with its own laws.
General Information for visitors...
Most activities on the Rosebud occur during the summer. Some of the traditional activities are held on the open prairie or behind homes and are not open to the public. Certain wild growing plants and herbs may NOT be HARVESTED. Many of these indigenous plants are very important to our culture and tradition. Most customs involve respect, understanding and just plain common sense. SICANGU OYATE HO
Voices of the Burnt Thigh People. Teaching guidelines from Sicangu Lakota Sundance Leaders.  Attend at the invitation of a friend. It is not a tourist attraction.

•  Tourists need to understand these are annual renewal events; there's no time to instruct  when a Sun  Dance is in progress.
•  Organizations should consult Sun Dance Leaders before they bring groups into the Sun Dance.
•  Talk beforehand to someone who can explain the Sun Dance. It's a time of year for prayer by Lakota People.
•  This is not a spectator entertainment.
•  Please remember this is not a show. We come here to pray.
•  If people come, we want them to respect what we are doing.
•  Lakota elders and others as well, take offense at men and women scantily dressed.
•  Don't get upset when Sun Dance security personnel ask to check your vehicle and luggage for illegal items.
•  Not all Sun Dances are open to tourists.
•  Some Sun Dance people do pray alone, not because of prejudice, but because they choose to pray in that fashion and set an example for their children.
•  Remember certain plants and herbs may not be harvested.  Many of these indigenous plants are an important part of our culture and spirituality.
• If you have any questions, please call 605-856-5644.

Lakota Code of Ethics...
1.   Be aware of the feelings and privacy needs of the local people.
2.   Refrain from offensive and /or intrusive behavior.
3.   Practice quietness when observing.
4.   Practice open-mindedness and respectful listening.
5.   There is a Rosebud Sioux Tribe law that governs violations of Lakota customs applicable to both tribal members and non-members.
6.   In every culture, there are man-made laws that dictate appropriate etiquette and understanding.
7.   Conflicts can easily be avoided by observing the rules and outlines in the following section.SUN DANCE RULES
Please remember that the Sun Dance Leaders who have posted these rules may have additional ones also.

 1.   No cameras, cassette recorders, video cameras/devices, drawings, sketches or any form of media are allowed.
 2.   No guns or weapons are allowed into the Sun Dance area.
 3.   No alcohol or drugs are allowed.
 4.   No person under the influence of alcohol or drugs is allowed in or around the area.
 5.   Women on their monthly menstruation are absolutely NOT allowed to enter.
 6.   No pets of any kind are allowed into the Sun Dance grounds.
 7.   No crossing the EAST ENTRANCE of the Sun Dance arena.
 8.   No bicycles or toys allowed into the Sun Dance grounds. There is a designated area for these activities.
 9.   Ask directions on where you are allowed to enter.
10.  Dress respectfully.
11.  Dancers and participants should stay on medication during the duration of the Sun Dance.
12.  The Sun Dance is not a place to validate dreams or to seek a vision and power.
13.  Don't bring medicine bundles, crystals, etc. into the arena.
14.  Don't leave the Sun Dance believing you are a medicine person.

THIS LAKOTA CEREMONY MUST, AND WILL BE, CONDUCTED AS A LAKOTA CEREMONY.