The end of my time at Green Grass

The meeting was over and it was time to head back to Canada and return to NAHO and continue my work. This was my last view of Green Grass as I hit the highway home.

The meeting on Maternal and Child health had ended but the gathering for father's and children continued on for many more days and I am told it was a wonderful gathering.

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What it is all about

Aleena with her father Dennis Skye, case in point of the joy shared between a father and his child.

Photo © 2008 Dennis Skye

Together Again

Further celebration on the completion of the Iśnati by Makasa. Here she is with her brother Cody Looking Horse and her biggest fan, her niece, Aleena Skye.

Photo © 2008 Makasa Lookinghorse

Preparing for the future

Throughout the course of the meeting there was also a traditional Lakota ceremony occuring.

This picture is of Makasa Looking Horse beloved daughter of Chief Arvol Looking Horse, after she completed the four day Iśnati (Womenhood Ceremony).

This gathering was about fathers and children so it was especially beautiful to see the love and pride of a father for his only daughter. The smiles on their faces not only tell of their emotions but appears to be a trademark Looking Horse grin!

Photo © 2008 Makasa Lookinghorse

The view from here

These pictures are of central South Dakota on or near the Cheyenne River Reservation. The meeting on maternal and child health as well as the gathering took place here.

What a great setting for listening to knowledgeable women as they gather and talk; sharing the beauty of what it means to them to be an Indigenous woman.

A hint of "Americana"

I don't know if "kitchy" road signs falls under the category of Americana, but I do appreciate the humour signs like this provides.

Interesting note: during the 90's a researcher recieved a Fullbright Scholarship (very prestigeous) to do a comparative anaylsis between Canadian and American road signs and tourist stops(Okay, more to it than that but you get the gist). That is a smart scholar.

En Route: You can never see to many prairie fields

...and no, this scene does not get boring after awhile. Think fresh, sweet, summer breezes. After a summer season in Ottawa of rain mixed with intense humidity, you can imagine how enjoyable the drive in this weather was.