2025 Sunkawakan Camps

2025 Girls Sunkawakan Camp
​SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi “Bringing the Family Back to Life” hosted a Summer Wicincila Sunkawakan Camp for girls ages 8–12. It was a three day camp filled with horses, cultural teachings, creativity and summer fun!

Day One: The camp started with two groups—half learned horse safety, how to groom them and how to ride. The other half learned different styles of powwow dancing, the two groups switched mid morning. After lunch, the girls visited the SGU greenhouse for a tour and hands-on planting activity, then headed back to the ranch for slip n’ slide fun in the sun.

Day Two: In the morning, the girls painted wooden horses while learning about traditional Lakota designs and then made friendship bracelets! The afternoon was spent at the Valentine Park, cooling off in the stream and playing on the playground.

Day Three: The final morning was all about horses, followed by a special art activity where the girls made parfleche ledger art horse medallions. Families joined at noon for a cookout and to celebrate the wicincila completing camp with certificates.

We had so much fun with the girls, for more information about SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi or for more information about upcoming camps please visit our website www.tiwahe.org or call our office at (605)856-8163.
​The results are in for  our 3rd Annual Horse Handler Olympics!
​
Girls:
1st Place – Jaylynn Hawk
2nd Place – Bailey DeCora
3rd Place – Hailey Young
 
Boys:
1st Place – Yamni White Hat
2nd place – Pat yellow Hawk
3rd Place – Tyson White hat
 
Dave Valandra, SGU TGKP Ranch Manager, set up a challenging course where the teens had to race the clock running over poles, unloading six 50lb feed bags, climb over 2 fence panels and drag one 5 feet, then onto carrying a large piece of wood a few yards, take a fence post put of the ground then pound another back in the ground then halter two horse heads and finally carry a 70lb sand bag from one chair to another and run across the finish line! All of the horse handlers and some TGKP staff who participated did an amazing job, we have a hard-working and capable team on our hands!
All 1st place winners won brand new spurs, 2nd place winners won new roping ropes, all 3rd place winners won new halters.

​​Teen Horse Handler Training Camp 2024

SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi “Bringing the Family Back to Life” kicked off the summer with our Teen Horse Handler Training Camp where teens learned to care for and work with the sunkawakan oyate, gaining knowledge in horsemanship, communication and Lakota culture. In addition to their work with the horses, our teens received training in crucial life skills, setting them up for future success both on and off the ranch. We invited Tatanka Funds to do a presentation on financial literacy, teaching the teens credit management and how to open a savings account. After the completion of camp they will be hired on part time at the ranch to assist with our other youth horse camps and contribute to the ranch's daily operations throughout the summer. Each teen also underwent CPR certification, which was taught by the RST Ambulance Service, ensuring they are prepared to handle emergencies whether on the ranch or in their communities. Camp ended with a cookout with the teen’s families and our 3rd annual Horse Handler Olympics! Dave Valandra, Ranch Manager, set up a challenging course to test the teens on their physical and mental skills on tasks one would do around the ranch, in a timed race. Our Teen Horse Handler Training Camp is more than just a summer program; it's a continuation of our commitment to nurturing the next generation. This summer, as they work alongside us, they will not only contribute to the success of our camps but also carry forward the values and lessons they've learned, empowering our youth to become responsible, compassionate, and capable individuals. To make a referral to TGKP for Children's Mental Health services, please call Justin Baker at 605-856-8148 and to keep up with our other camps, please visit our website www.tiwahe.org and follow us on Facebook (Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi).
Picture
Horse Creek Community and SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi “Bringing the Family Back to Life “ partnered to open a new Sunkawakan program in the Horse Creek Community on August 10th, 2022.  SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi brought 4 horses and a round corral to Horse Creek for the opening. Spiritual leader, Richard Moves Camp, offered prayers and traditional singer, Justin Baker welcomed the horses, children and community members with olowan for the new program. Community member, Ivan Knife, provided an amazing meal as community members showed up to share a meal together and celebrate their community. According to Victor Douville, SGU Tribal Historian, Horse Creek was known as the last resting place for the Oyate and the Sunkawakan before the grueling trip to the He Sapa. And now  history is coming back to life!
Wilma Janis, Horse Creek Community Chair, shared the dream of twenty years to bring horses to the community for children and families to reconnect with their Sunkawakan relatives. Community Horse Program Director, Tavish Bartlett, spoke about plans for this new program, to bring Sunkawakan directly to the community. Tavish’ late grandmother Mayda Bartlett had been working on this project and advocating to get horses into the community for years up until her death from covid last fall. This dream was put on hold until Tavish stepped up to the plate. He shared his grandmother’s belief in the power of the horses and told a personal story of overcoming hardship and how much the horse nation helped him heal. His grandma’s dream then became his dream and now Tavish wants to help the community heal; kids, adults and elders alike. All are welcome. TGKP will bring horses twice a week from the SGU Horse Ranch to a round coral and fenced area next to the community center for scheduled activities. Activities will be posted on Face Book soon so please check it out.
SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi “Bringing the Family Back to Life” wrapped up two boys Sunkawakan Camps over the past few weeks. The young warriors started their days through morning talks with camp facilitator, TGKP Lead Family Coordinator, Justin Baker. The Koskalaka/Older Boys not only spent time with their horse relatives but got to go fishing and swimming. The Hoksila/Younger Boys learned how to set up the fire and then participated in an Inipi. For some of the boys learning about Lakota ceremonies was a first and although some may have been nervous to try new things they showed courage and ended up enjoying their experiences. Alan Young and Foster Cournoyer-Hogan from REDCO Food Sovereignty Initiative brought healthy and fresh meals each Wednesday. They explained the importance of nutrition and got the young warriors to try buffalo for the first time and they loved it! The last day of the camps, the young warriors families came to learn about historical trauma and activities and skills to counteract trauma to have a healthy family. Then they watched the young warriors show off their riding skills and the painted wooden horses they made during the camp.
For more information on our Summer Horse Camps or SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi's Behavioral Health services, please stop by the TGKP office on the SGU Antelope Lake Campus or call our office at (605)856-8163. Pilamaya.
SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi "Bringing the Family Back to Life" wrapped up the Wikoskalaka/Older Girls Summer Sunkawakan (Horse) Camp this past week where ten girls ages 11 - 17 spent 3 days learning about and riding the Sunkawakan and also learned other Lakota cultural activities. Some highlights of the camp included the girls learning how to dig, braid and cook timpsila (wild turnips.) They picked up the skill of beading earrings in one afternoon and were able to wear them the rest of the camp! Special guest Mike HeCrow shared knowledge and demonstrated the practice of the Winyan Peta Kaile/Women lighting the fire without any lighter or matches. The group of young women picked up this survival skill very well! Another special guest, Tribal Council Woman, Dera Iyotte, shared her knowledge of Mni/ water. To wrap up the camp, on the last morning caregivers of the campers attended a session learning about historical trauma and activities and skills to counteract trauma to have a healthy family.
For more information on our Summer Horse Camps or SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi's Behavioral Health services, please stop by the TGKP office on the SGU Antelope Lake Campus or call our office at (605)856-8163. Pilamaya.
SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi kicked off the summer with their 2022 Teen Horse Handler Training Camp for new and returning horse handlers, on June 6-9.  Horse Handlers will be hired as part time employees for 9 weeks of the summer to help SGU Ranch staff through the rest of the summer camps and activities that are offered to the community. Participating Horse Handlers include: Quincy High Pipe, Tyson White Hat, Jaylynn Marshall, Bailey Decora, LaiLani Hawk, Marshal Smith, Albert White Hat, III and Braedin Janis. We’re excited for what this summer has to offer with this group of youth! 
This year, Ranch Manager Dave Valandra, hosted the SGU TGKP Ranch’s 2nd annual Horse Handler Olympics. Any Horse Handler or TGKP Staff member is allowed to enter the race through the ultimate cowboy/cowgirl obstacle course. The winners of the 2022 Horse Handler Olympics are Women: 1st Place – Kelsey Soles (Therapist); 2nd place – Lene Wright (Horse Handler Staff); 3rd place – Allison Elliot (Horse Handler Intern). Men: 1st Place – Patrick Yellowhawk (Horse Handler Staff); 2nd place – Tavish Bartlett (Horse Creek Community Horse Program Coordinator); 3rd Place – Albert White Hat III (Horse Handler). 
For more information on our Summer Horse Camps or SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi “Bringing the Family Back to Life” services, please stop by the TGKP office on the SGU Antelope Lake Campus or call our office at (605)856-8163. Pilamaya. 

Picture
​Another successful camp ended this past week for Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi “Bringing the Family Back to Life” at the SGU Horse Ranch.
This camp was for a group of young men, Most Valuable Players, ages 12– 17, who spent time connecting with the Sunkawakan Oyate (Horse Nation) learning about safety, care of horses and riding. They also learned about the roles of a young man and the values he should carry including respect for all of creation.
Highlights of the camp include the young men whittling and painting their own lances, learning how to throw their lances, picking sage, gathering wood and learning how to use a wood splitter! The young men ended the week with a long horse ride to town to get ice cream at the Starlite Drive-In and a cookout and completion ceremony with their families afterward.
Partners assisting Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi (TGKP) staff with the camp included Gunner Krogman and Lucas Iron Heart of WBCWS/Most Valuable Players Program (MVP); REDCO Food Sovereignty Initiative, who provided a traditional meal; TGKP Horse Handlers who mentored riders and insured safety; and Duane Hollow Horn Bear who assisted with Lakota Cultural teachings, language and stories.
For more information on remaining 2018 TGKP Summer Sunkawakan Camps, please contact: Kateri Douville at 605-856-8163. 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.
 
Picture
​SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi “Binging the Family Back to Life” finished another summer camp this past week. Twenty-one Wicincila’s, between the ages of 8 and 16, spent time with TGKP staff learning the importance of cultural values and relationship with the Sunkawakan Oyate.
Mornings for the young women were spent at the ranch learning the importance of caring for and respecting the Sunkawakan. In the afternoons, the Wincincila’s were brought to the TGKP office on the Antelope Lake Campus and to the WBCWS Her House, where they were taught to use a sewing machine, they picked out material and made their own sweat dresses. Thursday afternoon the girls were able to wear them into an Inipi (purification ceremony)
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 three Otterbein University Equine Science student interns who assisted throughout the week; the REDCO Food Sovereignty Initiative for a delicious Traditional meal and program presentation; Ron Frederick of SDSU 4-H for teachings on safety and care of horses, the White Buffalo Calf Woman Society for transportation and helping older girls sew sweat dresses at Her House, and community members who helped younger girls sew dresses at the TGKP “Our Happy Place” Craft Center. Last but not least we say Wopila to the Sunkawakan Oyate and the TGKP Ranch staff and Horse handler for a great camp experience. The final TGKP Summer Sunkawakan Camp will be held this week for Hoksila, ages, 8-12. For more information on TGKP, please contact the office at 856-8163. 
Picture
​Our last summer horse camp ended this past week for SGUTiwahe Glu Kini Pi “Bringing the Family Back to Life” at the SGU Horse Ranch.
This week, Hoksila ages 8 – 12, spent time connecting with the Sunkawakan Oyate (Horse Nation) learning about safety and care. They also learned about the roles of a young man, the values he should carry including respect for all things and the proper use of a Nila (knife).
Highlights of the camp include horse rides and making and painting their own lances! At the end of the week the young men were able to show family members how well they could throw their lances and ride their horses!
We could not have offered this camp without the amazing partnership of White Buffalo Calf Woman Society’s MVP (Most Valuable Player) Staff, Gunner Krogman and Lucas Iron Heart; the REDCO Food Sovereignty Initiative; Ron Frederick, SDSU 4-H; Duane Hollow Horn Bear, Fred Little Bald Eagle; the Sunkawakan Oyate; Ranch  Managers, Dave Valandra and  Greg Grey Cloud and a great group of TGKP Horse Handlers: Carli Brown, Josie Gallegos, Bryant Burnette, Jaylynn Marshall, Kevin Janssen, Daniel Morrison, Jamall High Crane, Macy Valandra,  Reeta Herman, Joslyn Red Hawk and Quincy High Pipe
For more information about the TGK Program, please contact: Kateri Douville at 605-856-8163.
​Another successful camp ended this past week for SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi “Bringing the Family Back to Life” at the SGU Horse Ranch.
A group of young men and women spent time connecting with the Sunka Wakan Oyate (Horse Nation) learning about safety and care of horses,  Lakota language, history and values during our 2018 Horse Handler Training Camp. Horse Handlers also learned about serious emotional, behavioral and spiritual issues that youth bring to TGKP for healing.
 
Assisting TGKP staff with presentations were Ron Frederick, SDSU 4-H; Clarissa Cigrand, UC Greeley Doctoral Intern, Dee Curtis, USD Doctoral Intern; Wayne and Alexis Romero Frederick, Lakota ranchers.
White Buffalo Calf Woman Society assisted with transportation and REDCO Food Sovereignty Initiative provided a traditional meal on the 4rd day of the camp.
 
Highlights of the camp include riding and making spirit connections with the horses, learning how to care for the horses, and getting to know the new Horse Handlers. The week ended with a cookout for families, provided by WBCWS, completion certificates, and more horse riding! These awesome young men and woman really made the week special. We can’t wait to work with them throughout the summer!
For more information and applications for future camps, please contact: Kateri Douville @ 605-856-8163 or Marlies White Hat @ 605-856-8203.

Sunka Wakan Camps at SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi
SGU Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi (TGKP) “Bringing the Family Back to Life” offered a one week Horse Handler Training Camp on June 12-16, 2017 for 10 youth, ages 15-21. Horse Handlers were trained to assist TGKP therapists with Equine Assisted Mental Health Therapy and also with TGKP Sunka Wakan Youth Camps this summer. Highlights of the camp included a visit by a volunteer Veterinarian who gave the horses physicals, floated their teeth and brought immunizations up to date. Horse Handler trainees assisted the vet. The next day, a Farrier trimmed horse’s hooves with assistance of Horse Handler trainees. Earlier in the week, Sam High Crane shared teachings on Mitakuye Oyasin and the healing gifts and special relationship of the Sunka Wakan Oyate with the Lakota. Each trainee then participated in a Spirit connection with a horse. Greg Grey Cloud provided teachings on values and walked youth through the set-up of the Tipestola. Ron Frederick and Genna Buettner, SDSU Extension and 4-H, instructed trainees about horse safety, nutrition, anatomy, horse health, first aid and proper use of tack. The week concluded with a trail ride to Turtle Creek and a cookout with certificates of completion of training awarded.
TGKP also partnered with the SGU Science Department to provide morning sessions with Horse Handler Camp for participants in their STEM Camps (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.) Middle School students participated in the morning at the SGU Ranch and in the afternoon STEM classes were offered at the SGU Tech Building. The STEM/Horse Camp will continue for one more week and will conclude with student research presentations on Thursday June 22nd. A second session of STEM camp will be held from June27 through July 7 for Middle School and High School Students. For more information or applications for STEM Camp, please contact Mikel Bordeaux at 605-319-0035.
TGKP will also be offering other Summer Horse Camps as follows:
July 10-14 Male Survivors of Violence Horse Camp (Males ages 10-18);
July 30-August 4: Girls Horse Camp (Ages 8-12); August 7-11: Boys Horse Camp (Ages 8-12); and August 15-17: Youth Rodeo Camp (Ages 12-18.)
For more information on these day camps held from 9am to 4 pm, M-F, please contact:
Marlies White Hat at 605-856-8203 or Dave Valandra at 605-682-1823. Applications can be picked up at the TGKP Office on the SGU Campus in Mission, SD or mailed to you by calling Kateri at 605-856-8163. 

​