Storytelling is taking on a new adventure with the debut of a new podcast series at Maȟpíya Lúta. Stories of Lakota Elders begins with a powerful first series featuring Cecelia Fire Thunder—a respected leader, advocate, and storyteller.
Recorded at the Maȟpíya Lúta Studio in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, this series centers on Cecelia’s voice and lived experiences. Through her stories, she shares firsthand experiences of historical federal policies, including Indian Boarding Schools and the Relocation era, offering insight into how these systems shaped her life, her family, and generations of Lakota communities.
Cecelia also reflects on her journey as a mother, student, artist, and advocate, as well as her historic role as the first female president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Her stories move between personal memory and collective history, grounding larger events in lived experience.
These are not distant histories. They are lived experiences—shared in her own words—creating space for truth, understanding, and connection.
Hosted by community members and recorded with care, the series honors Cecelia as a knowledge keeper while emphasizing the importance of intergenerational learning. Her stories remind us that the past is not separate from the present—it continues to guide future generations.
The series launches on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026, inviting listeners to spend time with these stories and the voice that carries them.
To learn more about the podcast and listen to the series trailer, visit: https://mahpiyaluta.org/cecelia-fire-thunder/
Don’t miss the debut—like and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.