Lakota Link

Walter Mills Lakota Elder Part II

Walter Mills, Lakota Elder

It is fascinating to get a view of life on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the 1940’s and 1950’s.  A glimpse of what life was like for Native Americans at that time.  One small fact was you could not purchase dog food at that time.  So if you had a family ranch and loved dogs how did you manage?  It was a pleasure to visit with Walter and have him share his experiences.

Walter Mills, Lakota Elder

Walter Mills, Lakota Elder

Walter is the son of Sidney and Grace Mills.  He grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation and is an enrolled Oglala Lakota.  He shares what his life was like in the 1940’s and 1950’s on the reservation.  We talk about the beginning of WWII and how Native Americans have a greater percentage per capita of enlisting into the service.  We will continue with Walt’s story part II next week.

B.B. Mills and Sallie Bush Mills

1. B. B. Mills and Sallie Bush Mills

Continuing my series of a Man of Mystery you will learn about the 1868 Ft. Laramie Treaty.  Benjamin Buckner Mills definitely played an important part in the Treaty.  He was well known and respected by both parties involved.  Chief Red Cloud recommended him to be the Agent for the newly formed Pine Ridge Reservation.  Listen and find out what eventually happened.  We will learn some of Sallie Bush Mills history.

A Man of Mystery

Benjamin B. Mills – A Man of Mystery

Benjamin Buckner Mills, was my great grandfather.  Oral family history says he came from England.  What we do know is he ended up at Ft. Laramie Wyoming and was the sutler at the store.  A man of mystery because in the 1860 census he put his birth place at Michigan.  1870 census birth place said Kentucky.  He married a full blood Lakota Sallie Bush.  He had a good reputation and was known as a frontiersman.  My next Podcast will continue with his story of being at the 1868 Ft Laramie treaties.

Dr. Garcia-Janis's Lakota Adventures

Dr. Garcia-Janis’s Lakota Adventures

Not many people have had such an adventurous life as Dr. Liz.  She was born in the Philippines and ended up on the Pine Ridge Reservation doing medical mission work.  She has traveled throughout the world to help alleviate pain and suffering during times of crises. Her ability to speak four different languages has served her well. 

There are many similarities between the Philippine culture and the Lakota culture which helped her relate to the Lakota people.

Dr. Garcia-Janis "Help and Hope for the Suicidal"

Dr. Garcia-Janis “Help and Hope for the Suicidal”

Dr. Elizabeth Garcia-Janis is a national known psychiatrist.  She is double board certified in child and adult psychiatry.  The topic we discuss is suicide.  What are the signs?  How do we help the people contemplating suicide?  What about the families left behind? As an enrolled Oglala Sioux, Lawrence Janis also shares his heartfelt poetry on the subject. There is help and there is hope.

Lakota Elder beats Covid-19

Lakota Elder beats Covid-19

Victor Swallow was willing to share his experience with contacting the Covid-19 virus.  At the age of 81 it was a very serious matter.  Taking one day at a time, he relives his hospital stay and how he is now slowly regaining strength today.  A lesson we can all learn that each day is precious. 

Dr. Eric Zimmer/Historian for the Oyate

Dr. Eric Zimmer/ Historian for the Oyate

When I want to learn about something, I like to consult an expert.  Dr. Zimmer is a historian and author of two books.  He is a fellow for Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies.  (CAIRNS) 

I wanted to learn about the history of the Indian boarding schools in Rapid City, SD.  Dr. Zimmer among others has researched this topic for many years.  He brings to light a summary of the troubled history.    

Devils Tower (AKA) Bear Lodge

Devils Tower  (AKA)   Bear Lodge

You will learn how both a Lakota and Japanese artist collaborated on a project.  Mr. Junku Muto had a vision to create seven sculptors in order to circle the earth.  A great project to promote world peace.  The first sculpture was placed at the Vatican, the second in India, and the third at Devils Tower.  Sandy Swallow shares how she became a small part in this project.  How Wind Circle became an emotional look back in history.   

Joseph Marshall III, Lakota Author and Historian

Joseph Marshall III,   Lakota Author and Historian

Joseph Marshall is an enrolled Rosebud Sioux.  He is the author of more than 33 books.  Founding member of the Sinte Gleska University.  He has a wide verity of interests and talents.  You will learn of his latest endeavor.  How his childhood shaped him into becoming the man he is now.  I was honored that he took the time to visit on Lakota Link.