Freeman Academy hosted an Indigenous People’s Celebration Oct. 16 that brought together six schools to make connections with tribal groups and learn about Dakota, Nakota and Lakota life, pursuing the Lakota phrase Mitakuye Oyasin (we are all related).

Learning projects across all classes led up to the event, attended by members of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe and South Dakota secretary of tribal relations David Flute, a member of the tribe.

Activities included a dance, drum circle and singing presentation, beadwork in art class, a traditional meal prepared by elementary students and a traditional prayer.

“I really enjoyed all of the dances,” said eighth grader Abigail Bradley. “I thought that it was interesting how all of the songs have been passed down through the generations without being written down.”

More than 600 staff and students from schools and home-school organizations attended the event, followed by a visit by elementary students and Flute to the Heritage Hall Museum. Flute read The Medicine Quilt, a children’s book focused on settler/Indigenous forgiveness, next to the actual quilt.