A look into our past and where we've been, this is an archive of past TGKP events and old information
Upon their request, SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi Ki (TGKP) "Bringing the Family Back to Life" Children's Mental Health Program, took therapy horses to the White River, SD, Nursing Home on May 17, 2022, for a visit with the residents. The Sunkawakan (Horses) and residents thoroughly enjoyed their time together. SGU TGKP, located on the SGU Campus and Ranch in Mission, SD provides behavioral health services for children, Ages 3-18, with serious emotional behavioral issues and their families. Services include assessment, therapy, wraparound care coordination, Lakota cultural teachings and healing practices, referrals and flex funds for immediate unmet needs. SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi is working to restore spiritual connections and healing with the Sunkawakan Oyate (Horse Nation)and all of creation for children and families through Lakota based equine therapy, summer camps and school and community-based activities.
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News from the SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi (TGKP) Equine Specialist Training Program
Some of the greatest horsemen and women of the plains were the Lakota. The Lakota have an incredible spiritual connection with their horses and all the while experience the therapeutic benefits of health and healing that horses provide. Current research shows that just being around horses or taking care of them through something as simple as grooming, leading them or feeding the horse reduces stress, feelings of tension, anxiety and anger, lowers blood pressure and improves overall health.
In an effort to maintain and expand that connection with the horse and reap the benefits for our youth and community members, SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi worked with SDSU Extension 4-H and other community partners to create a unique hands-on program to train individuals and give them the skills, knowledge and expertise to create and develop horse programs in communities.
During the 2018 SGU TGKP weeklong summer horse camps, youth were surveyed and expressed sadness at the ending of the camps and the desire to have the horse program continue and to be in their communities. Thus, the Equine Specialist Training Program was created. Daily training in the various aspects of horse care have been scheduled throughout the five month program which includes all aspects of horse health and daily care, working with children and their families, as well as ranch and facility management. Foremost are teachings about the historical and spiritual connection of the Sunkawakan Oyate (Horse Nation) with the Lakota.
Many individuals have come to share their expertise. Ron Fredrick, SDSU Extension 4-H, provided training on safety, horse anatomy, nutrition and feeding as well as horse health and care. The next week, he taught the Equine Specialists how to trim and maintain hooves. At this farrier training, participants even learned how to pick up a horse’s hind foot, hold it and trim it!
On a daily basis, Equine Specialists are given instruction by TGKP Ranch Manager, Dave Valandra, on the various aspects of how to maintain a community horse facility. This includes providing a clean, safe environment; how to operate small equipment; aspects of a good watering system; proper use, care and storage of tack; what constitutes a good corral and fencing system for equine and working with and making the connection with horses. Participants learn not only the names of the horses but personalities, quirks and training of all 37 of them!
Greg Grey Cloud, TGKP Ranch Foreman and Culturally Specific Horse Group Therapy Facilitator, provides the Equine Specialists training through teaching Lakota Horse culture. Stories, experiences and teachings of the historical connections of the Lakota with the Sunkawakan Oyate, the Horse Nation, are used to further understanding. He teaches participants how the Horse Nation provides healing and restores health and well-being.
TGKP Equine Therapist, Kelsey Soles, MS -LPC, provided examples of what a typical equine therapy session might look like at the SGU Ranch. The Equine Specialists were able to observe and assist with horses in two Mock Sessions. With training, the Equine Specialists can assist therapists with the horses during sessions. Equine specialists are not therapists but they were made aware of mental health issues children deal with today and how to refer them to local programs for services. Charlotte Emery, MS- LPC, TGKP Clinical Supervisor, gave a presentation on available services and hands-on instruction for filling out forms and process to make referrals.
Since the goal of the Equine Specialist training program is to create horse programs in communities, Harold Compton of TLE provided a presentation on land including the process for communities to acquire land for horse programs for youth and families.
Some amazing and fun things have occurred during the training. One of the Equine Specialists was admiringly dubbed, “The Horse Whisperer,” by fellow members when he was able to touch, pet and then halter a wild, two year old rescue stallion that wouldn’t allow himself to be caught or touched by others. Later he was even able to get on the young stallion.
Reflecting on what they have learned thus far, the five Equine Specialist trainees said:
“This program has been one of the most influential things in my life today. So far I’ve learned
several important tools that I could use throughout my life.”
Felisha Whiting shared that her highlight is “Learning how to spiritually connect with our horse
relatives. Trimming horse’s hooves is pretty fun, too!”
Asa Amiotte feels that the advantages of the Equine Specialist Training Program is “Working with great people and is a very rewarding experience.”
Fred Fast Horse appreciated “Learning how to spiritually reconnect with our relatives in the old way compared to the cowboy way which is common around here.”
Mayda Bartlett stated, “Growing up around horses, I personally have experienced the
therapeutic effect of the Horse Nation. So I was thrilled for the creation of the Equine Specialist
Training Program. I am very grateful to have such amazing and knowledgeable individuals to
learn from. Thank you Dave Valandra, Greg Grey Cloud, Ron Frederick, Kelsey Soles, Marlies
White Hat, Conrad Eagle Feather, Mark White Hat and the many others that help us every day.
As Equine Specialists, we have the huge task of putting a horse program into our communities
and I appreciate any and all help!”
Gregg Grey Cloud offered this bit of advice for the public: “I think what’s important for people to know in our community is that you don’t need to have any experience riding horses to come out to the ranch. We work with beginners to experienced riders and welcome any and all!” TGKP is offering Summer Horse Camps for youth. Contact the program at 856-8163 for applications and more information.
In the coming weeks, the Equine Specialists are assisting with the TGKP summer Horse Camps and Lakota Youth Development Camps. Taffy Lafferty of REDCO will also be assisting them with strategic planning to develop programs to share their new skills with children in the communities and at the Rosebud Boys and Girls Clubs. For more information, please contact Marlies White Hat at 605-856-8203.
Some of the greatest horsemen and women of the plains were the Lakota. The Lakota have an incredible spiritual connection with their horses and all the while experience the therapeutic benefits of health and healing that horses provide. Current research shows that just being around horses or taking care of them through something as simple as grooming, leading them or feeding the horse reduces stress, feelings of tension, anxiety and anger, lowers blood pressure and improves overall health.
In an effort to maintain and expand that connection with the horse and reap the benefits for our youth and community members, SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi worked with SDSU Extension 4-H and other community partners to create a unique hands-on program to train individuals and give them the skills, knowledge and expertise to create and develop horse programs in communities.
During the 2018 SGU TGKP weeklong summer horse camps, youth were surveyed and expressed sadness at the ending of the camps and the desire to have the horse program continue and to be in their communities. Thus, the Equine Specialist Training Program was created. Daily training in the various aspects of horse care have been scheduled throughout the five month program which includes all aspects of horse health and daily care, working with children and their families, as well as ranch and facility management. Foremost are teachings about the historical and spiritual connection of the Sunkawakan Oyate (Horse Nation) with the Lakota.
Many individuals have come to share their expertise. Ron Fredrick, SDSU Extension 4-H, provided training on safety, horse anatomy, nutrition and feeding as well as horse health and care. The next week, he taught the Equine Specialists how to trim and maintain hooves. At this farrier training, participants even learned how to pick up a horse’s hind foot, hold it and trim it!
On a daily basis, Equine Specialists are given instruction by TGKP Ranch Manager, Dave Valandra, on the various aspects of how to maintain a community horse facility. This includes providing a clean, safe environment; how to operate small equipment; aspects of a good watering system; proper use, care and storage of tack; what constitutes a good corral and fencing system for equine and working with and making the connection with horses. Participants learn not only the names of the horses but personalities, quirks and training of all 37 of them!
Greg Grey Cloud, TGKP Ranch Foreman and Culturally Specific Horse Group Therapy Facilitator, provides the Equine Specialists training through teaching Lakota Horse culture. Stories, experiences and teachings of the historical connections of the Lakota with the Sunkawakan Oyate, the Horse Nation, are used to further understanding. He teaches participants how the Horse Nation provides healing and restores health and well-being.
TGKP Equine Therapist, Kelsey Soles, MS -LPC, provided examples of what a typical equine therapy session might look like at the SGU Ranch. The Equine Specialists were able to observe and assist with horses in two Mock Sessions. With training, the Equine Specialists can assist therapists with the horses during sessions. Equine specialists are not therapists but they were made aware of mental health issues children deal with today and how to refer them to local programs for services. Charlotte Emery, MS- LPC, TGKP Clinical Supervisor, gave a presentation on available services and hands-on instruction for filling out forms and process to make referrals.
Since the goal of the Equine Specialist training program is to create horse programs in communities, Harold Compton of TLE provided a presentation on land including the process for communities to acquire land for horse programs for youth and families.
Some amazing and fun things have occurred during the training. One of the Equine Specialists was admiringly dubbed, “The Horse Whisperer,” by fellow members when he was able to touch, pet and then halter a wild, two year old rescue stallion that wouldn’t allow himself to be caught or touched by others. Later he was even able to get on the young stallion.
Reflecting on what they have learned thus far, the five Equine Specialist trainees said:
“This program has been one of the most influential things in my life today. So far I’ve learned
several important tools that I could use throughout my life.”
Felisha Whiting shared that her highlight is “Learning how to spiritually connect with our horse
relatives. Trimming horse’s hooves is pretty fun, too!”
Asa Amiotte feels that the advantages of the Equine Specialist Training Program is “Working with great people and is a very rewarding experience.”
Fred Fast Horse appreciated “Learning how to spiritually reconnect with our relatives in the old way compared to the cowboy way which is common around here.”
Mayda Bartlett stated, “Growing up around horses, I personally have experienced the
therapeutic effect of the Horse Nation. So I was thrilled for the creation of the Equine Specialist
Training Program. I am very grateful to have such amazing and knowledgeable individuals to
learn from. Thank you Dave Valandra, Greg Grey Cloud, Ron Frederick, Kelsey Soles, Marlies
White Hat, Conrad Eagle Feather, Mark White Hat and the many others that help us every day.
As Equine Specialists, we have the huge task of putting a horse program into our communities
and I appreciate any and all help!”
Gregg Grey Cloud offered this bit of advice for the public: “I think what’s important for people to know in our community is that you don’t need to have any experience riding horses to come out to the ranch. We work with beginners to experienced riders and welcome any and all!” TGKP is offering Summer Horse Camps for youth. Contact the program at 856-8163 for applications and more information.
In the coming weeks, the Equine Specialists are assisting with the TGKP summer Horse Camps and Lakota Youth Development Camps. Taffy Lafferty of REDCO will also be assisting them with strategic planning to develop programs to share their new skills with children in the communities and at the Rosebud Boys and Girls Clubs. For more information, please contact Marlies White Hat at 605-856-8203.
SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi (TGKP) “Bringing the Family Back to Life” and the SGU Science Department offered a two week STEM/Horse Camp on June 4th – 15nd for High School students, ages 14 through 18. Throughout this two week camp, students spent their mornings learning how to care for, ride and interact culturally with our Sunkawakan Oyate (Horse Nation) at the SGU Horse Ranch while also gaining knowledge and experience with Lakota language and values. Camp highlights include: helping horse handlers set up a tipi, individual spirit connections with the Sunkawakan, painting a model wooden horse to take home, and horse rides almost every day around the SGU Horse Ranch! In the afternoons, camp attendees headed to the SGU Tech building where they were introduced to the different fields of STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, where they designed and completed their own research projects. These included making: a Simple Paper Coffee Cup Helicopter; a bridge able to withstand the weight of a 145 lb. person made from popsicle sticks; a functioning recycled boat; and an active Volcano. The end of the two week Stem Horse Handler Camp concluded with a horse riding exhibition, a cookout and presentation of their research projects for family and relatives.
For more information on future 2018 Summer Sunkawakan Camps, please contact: Kateri Douville at 605-856-8163. A Family Camp for Parents/ Guardians and Children, ages 10-14, will be held on July 9-12. A Girls Camp for ages 8-16 will be held on July 31-August 3. A Boys Camp for ages 8-12 will be held on August 7-10. Applications can be picked up at the TGKP office on the SGU Antelope Lake Campus in Mission, SD.
For more information on future 2018 Summer Sunkawakan Camps, please contact: Kateri Douville at 605-856-8163. A Family Camp for Parents/ Guardians and Children, ages 10-14, will be held on July 9-12. A Girls Camp for ages 8-16 will be held on July 31-August 3. A Boys Camp for ages 8-12 will be held on August 7-10. Applications can be picked up at the TGKP office on the SGU Antelope Lake Campus in Mission, SD.
SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi “Binging the Family Back to Life” finished another summer camp this past week. Twelve young girls spent time with TGKP staff learning the importance of cultural values and relationship with the Sunkawakan Oyate. The young women spent their time at the ranch learning about anatomy, safety, riding, and the importance of caring for and respecting the Sunkawakan. They were also taught how to bead a wrap-stitched bracelet by Krista White! Dera Iyotte came and talk to the Wicincalapi about mni (water) and it’s importance.
It was a fun week with a lot of activities that taught the girls cultural competency and respect for others as well as respect for themselves. The camp ended with a horse riding exhibit and a cookout with family.
We would like to thank our parters; the REDCO Food Sovereignty Initiative for a delicious healthy meal; the TGKP “Our Happy Place” Craft Center with Krista White. Cultural knowledge keeper, Dera Iyotte; and last but not least we say Wopila to the Sunkawakan Oyate and the TGKP Ranch staff and Horse handlers (Peyton Barera, Quincy High Pipe, Jaylynn Marshall, and Tyson White Hat) for a great camp experience.
It was a fun week with a lot of activities that taught the girls cultural competency and respect for others as well as respect for themselves. The camp ended with a horse riding exhibit and a cookout with family.
We would like to thank our parters; the REDCO Food Sovereignty Initiative for a delicious healthy meal; the TGKP “Our Happy Place” Craft Center with Krista White. Cultural knowledge keeper, Dera Iyotte; and last but not least we say Wopila to the Sunkawakan Oyate and the TGKP Ranch staff and Horse handlers (Peyton Barera, Quincy High Pipe, Jaylynn Marshall, and Tyson White Hat) for a great camp experience.
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Another successful Sunka Wakan (Horse) camp ended this past week for SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi “Bringing the Family Back to Life” at the SGU Horse Ranch. This week was for a group of young men, ages 8 – 12, who spent time connecting with the Sunka Wakan Oyate (Horse Nation) and learning about their care and safety from SDSU 4-H Instructor, Ron Frederick. Duane Hollow Horn Bear and Fred Little Bald Eagle shared Woksape (wisdom) about the roles of a young man and the values he should carry. They were taught the importance of respect for all things Camp Coordinator, Aldo “Bear” Seoana, the TGKP Horse Handlers and staff kept the young men busy with outdoor activities and horse riding. Highlights of the camp included the young men painting their stories on horse effigies, long walks and storytelling ending with an Inipi (sweat) ceremony on Wednesday to enhance their Positive Cultural Experiences. The boy’s huge smiles coming back up to the ranch house from the Inipi was a true indication of how successful the Inipi and the overall camp experience was for them. The camp ended with a cookout with families, awarding of certificates, a group picture and as always requests for more time to ride horses! Sinte Gleska University is sponsoring a Free Horsemanship and Rodeo Clinic Program on August 22 & 23, 2017, from 4-9pm, at the RST Rodeo Arena in Rosebud, SD. For more info, contact Travis at 856-8100. |
SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi “Binging the Family Back to Life” finished another summer camp this past week where 16 Wicincila’s(girls) between the ages of 8 and 12 spent time with TGKP and partner program staff learning the importance of Lakota cultural values and relationship with the Sunkan Wakan Oyate (Horse Nation.)
Mornings for the young women were spent at the ranch learning how to care for, respect and ride the Sunka Wakan. The Wicincila’s talked often amongst themselves about the spirit connection they felt with their Sunkan Wakan Relatives.
In the afternoons the Wicincila’s were brought to “Our Happy Place” Sewing and Craft Recovery Room at the TGKP office on the Antelope Lake Campus where they were taught to use a sewing machine and picked out materials and ribbon colors to make their own ribbon skirts.
It was a fun week with a lot of activities that taught the girls new skills, cultural competency and respect for others and all of creation, as well as respect for themselves. The camp ended with riding activities, a barbeque and fashion show of their skirts for staff and many family members who came to acknowledge the girls accomplishments. Wopila to Marilyn Parker, Billie Artichoker, Ron Frederick, WBCWS and the TGKP Horse Handlers who assisted Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi with the camp.
Mornings for the young women were spent at the ranch learning how to care for, respect and ride the Sunka Wakan. The Wicincila’s talked often amongst themselves about the spirit connection they felt with their Sunkan Wakan Relatives.
In the afternoons the Wicincila’s were brought to “Our Happy Place” Sewing and Craft Recovery Room at the TGKP office on the Antelope Lake Campus where they were taught to use a sewing machine and picked out materials and ribbon colors to make their own ribbon skirts.
It was a fun week with a lot of activities that taught the girls new skills, cultural competency and respect for others and all of creation, as well as respect for themselves. The camp ended with riding activities, a barbeque and fashion show of their skirts for staff and many family members who came to acknowledge the girls accomplishments. Wopila to Marilyn Parker, Billie Artichoker, Ron Frederick, WBCWS and the TGKP Horse Handlers who assisted Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi with the camp.
