Empowering Indigenous Voices Through Storytelling at Siċaŋġu Co
As we share with you our journey toward a more progressive future, we want to share a vital aspect of our work that resonates deeply with our values and aspirations – the importance of Indigenous storytelling.
Pictured is Robert Bordeaux (Community Media Lead) who brought to life the design of the Victory Day t-shirts which were a HIT in the community and across the nation. A sleek, modern design that has cultural relevance.
At Siċaŋġu Co, we understand the significance of being the authors of our own narrative. Our stories, experiences, and triumphs deserve to be heard from our perspective, as they hold the truth of our culture and history. This is why we've taken the reins of our storytelling through various areas like Facebook, Instagram, videos, photos, our website, design, and soon - podcasting. By doing so, we preserve the authenticity and integrity of our organization's journey. The many initiatives that fall within the Siċaŋġu Co ecosystem have a direct impact on the community in which we know and can relate to best.
Central to this endeavor is the involvement of our community members within our marketing department. These individuals, deeply rooted in our ways of life, values, and needs, are our trusted storytellers in modern day. They understand the importance of representing our community accurately, and their insights bring a level of authenticity that resonates with Indigenous people from other Nations.
Siċaŋġu Co isn't just an organization; it's an ecosystem of change addressing the needs our community has faced for generations. Through our storytelling, we shed light on the impactful events, initiatives, and happenings hosted by Siċaŋġu Co. We celebrate the progress we make collectively, the change we invoke, and the unity we nurture. Our stories are the vessels that connect our shared past with the aspirations of the next seven generations.
In embracing the power of Indigenous storytelling, we are not just sharing information and updates – we are documenting our impact to share for generations to come. Our stories remind us of the journey we are on, the challenges we've overcome, and the promise of a more sustainable future. They connect us across time, generations, and distances, making us stronger as a community.
As you read through, we want to thank you for your support, engagement, and participation in our storytelling initiatives to amplify our voices and propel our mission forward.
Pictured is the marketing team recording the progress of the students of the Lakolya Waoniya Language Revitalization Program. It is important to document their progress throughout the program as the learners work toward becoming fluent Lakota speakers.
More Siċaŋġu Co In the News
Recently,The Food and Farm Communications Fund announced their selection of its 2023 Core Grantee Partners and we are thrilled to share that we have been selected!
These funds will support the launch of a new podcast right here at Siċaŋġu Co. This podcast will serve as a platform to highlight the impactful journey of our Food Sovereignty Initiative. It will provide a voice & platform to our community members and broaden our ability to educate others on how we can sustain a healthy food system for the next seven generations.
This remarkable recognition is a testament to our commitment to fostering positive change within our community. The grant from the Food and Farm Communications Fund acknowledges the importance of our collective efforts in areas such as food sovereignty and bison restoration. We believe that by collaborating, we can amplify our impact and create meaningful change for generations to come.
This grant provides us with an opportunity to further highlight the incredible work of our Siċaŋġu Food Sovereignty Initiative. From community education workshops and Indigenous ingredient food sampling to providing produce not just for the community, but also Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci, the local Lakota immersion school, for their unique lunch program – we are dedicated to promoting food sovereignty in all areas of the community. Additionally, the grant enables us to expand the reach of our weekly farmers market during the season, ensuring access to fresh, locally grown produce. The farmers market has become a consistent space where local small business owners have been able to sell their goods and services to make a profit which in return has contributed to our local economy.
We are grateful to our relatives & partners at The Food and Farm Communications Fund for their support and the relationship we have built alongside them on our collective journeys toward a better future.
Stay tuned for updates on how this podcast will enable us to broaden our impact and uplift the Siċaŋġu community. This achievement is a reflection of our collective dedication, and we are excited to share the progress ahead.
Pictured are community members gathering fresh produce at our local farmers market held in Mission, South Dakota. The produce comes directly from the Keya Wakpala Garden.