Lakota (Sioux) summer school students at St. Joseph’s Indian School recently traded desks for fresh air during a special visit to the Medicine Wheel Garden at the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. This special lesson came with sunshine, drum music and a chance to harvest sacred plants.
Led by Native American Studies teacher LaRayne, students explored the garden on St. Joseph’s campus and learned about sage and sweetgrass, two plants that have held a special place in Lakota culture for generations. As they moved through the garden, students got to see, touch and carefully gather the plants while learning the traditional teachings connected to them.
While drum music played softly in the background, everyone calmly picked their plants and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. With the Missouri River in sight, birds chirping overhead and the vibrant garden all around them, students were able to slow down and take in the beauty of the moment.
LaRayne showed students harvesting is about more than simply picking plants. It is done with respect and care. Students were reminded to only take what is needed and to thank Tȟuŋkášila — Creator — for the bountiful harvest.
Students learned that sage is traditionally used for purification and prayer and used for azilya, or smudging, purposes. Sweetgrass is often braided and used in ceremonies as a symbol of kindness, healing and positive intentions. Seeing the plants growing in the garden helped students better understand how deeply Lakota traditions are connected to the land and everyday life.
The Medicine Wheel Garden at the museum made the perfect outdoor classroom, giving students a chance to learn Lakota culture in a way they could see, hear, smell, touch and remember. Experiences like this help bring culture to life and give students meaningful ways to connect with Lakota heritage.
The students truly enjoyed harvesting sweetgrass and sage. There is something magical about caring for plants and harvesting them. They were overjoyed with the harvest and grateful for the opportunity to spend their summer at St. Joseph’s. One thing is for sure: there is never a boring day at St. Joseph’s Indian School!
Learn more about the Lakota (Sioux) culture by visiting stjo.org/culture.
