We know that the trauma and impact of the boarding schools continues to affect people in our wider Oglala Lakota community. The studies on intergenerational trauma from the boarding schools make this especially clear. The Truth and Healing process is committed to a wide process of community engagement that seeks both to listen to and amplify the voices of those affected by the boarding schools.
We also acknowledge that not everyone who is connected to boarding school history has the same feelings about this topic. We honor this diversity of feeling and experience. Some think of their boarding school days as traumatic, while others have shared that they cherish their time at boarding school. Our commitment to a process of inclusion means that all of these voices are valued.
If you are interested in participating in the Community Advisory Committee, please contact: Cecelia Fire Thunder at (605) 407-2857 or email at: [email protected]
Oral History and Testimony Collection Project
In 2022, Mary Irving and Cecelia Fire Thunder, two former boarders themselves, along with Rudy ‘Red Dog’ Balles, began collecting the testimony of former boarders through an oral history project. So far, they have collected over 58 testimonies from people who boarded at Holy Rosary Mission. These are stories collected by audio recording or video, depending on the boarder’s preference. They will be housed in an archive and made available for public research and education according to the boarder’s consent. This project resumed in 2023.
If you have family members or know of anyone who boarded at Holy Rosary and want to share your experience, please reach out to: Cecelia Fire Thunder: (605) 407-2857 or email at: [email protected]
Community Advisory Committee
Minutes From February 14th Community Advisory Meeting 2023
The Truth and Healing Advisory Council consists of elders, former boarders, and other community representatives and provides feedback and guidance on Maȟpíya Lúta’s Truth and Healing. These are the minutes for their February 14th meeting.
Minutes From August 31 Community Advisory Council Meeting 2022
The Truth and Healing Advisory Council consists of elders, former boarders, and other community representatives and provides feedback and guidance Maȟpíya Lúta’s Truth and Healing. These are the minutes for their August 31st meeting.
Minutes From May 2nd Community Advisory Council Gathering 2022
The Truth and Healing Advisory Council consists of elders, former boarders, and other community representatives and provides feedback and guidance on Maȟpíya Lúta’s Truth and Healing. These are the minutes for their May 2nd gathering.