South Dakota Celebration Planned At Apple Valley Senior Center

Press release from the City of Apple Valley:

Jan. 21, 2022

In 1989 South Dakota celebrated 100 years of statehood. 34% of the population, at that time was American Indian. The idea regarding 'the persons here before us' was introduced to Bishop Dudley. Hearts and minds of the People came together and the result was a live national telecast from Marty Mission in South Dakota of traditional ways, symbolism, native attire, singing, dancing and smoking of pipe during a Mass on the Yankton reservation.

Apple Valley Senior Center member, Karen Eileen, then Director of Communications for SD East Catholic Diocese traveled the state gathering stories, planning with the Oblate sisters and Dakota Deacon Ed Zephier to host the entourage from Rome to gather and celebrate being included in the little church with brown skin angels. Deacon Zephier and Karen Eileen co-hosted the live event.

Stories of development, challenges and yes, celebration will be shown at the Apple Valley Senior Center on Feb 15th and 22nd, at 10 am. The celebration is 1 hr 45 min, half shown each day with time for intro comments and questions.

Please contact the Senior Center to pre-register for this symbolic intention is to witness Dakota/Lakota cultural aspects.

This press release was produced by the City of Apple Valley. The views expressed here are the author's own.