Lakota Art and History Tour Details
Tour Overview
Your Lakota Art and History Tour begins with a private pickup from your accommodations in Rapid City, Hill City, Keystone, Custer, Deadwood, or Hermosa. After introductions, we begin the drive out to the beautiful Badlands, with our first stop at Red Shirt Table Overlook.
Chief Red Shirt was an Oglala Lakota warrior and statesman. He is considered by many to be progressive by promoting friendships with the settlers and obtaining education for his people. His children were sent to Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania with the intent to learn English and the customs of the white world. The overlooks are incredible, sacred, silent, and seldom seen by visitors. It is located on Pine Ridge Reservation and is part of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
Red Shirt Table Overlook
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Looking Down Off Red Shirt Table
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Red Cloud Indian School and Heritage Center
Red Cloud Indian School is celebrating over 125 years of existence. The Jesuits were granted permission to build a church on Pine Ridge in 1888, and along with it came the school. In the following decades, additions were added to accommodate more students. Chief Red Cloud's objective was for the children to be able to walk in both worlds.
Chief Red Cloud is widely recognized as a great leader of the Oglala Lakota and led the most successful military campaign against the U.S. Army to that point. As a result, the Treaty of Fort Laramie was signed in 1868, establishing the Great Sioux Nation in what we now know as South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana.
Later, he promoted peace, converted to Christianity, and resided on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Chief Red Clouds' grave is located on the school grounds and can be visited during your time here. We'll visit the Heritage Center, which contains a museum and art gallery, but also focuses on growing a healthy economy for the people of Pine Ridge.
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Evans Flammond Studio and Home
After we visit Red Cloud Indian School and Heritage Center, we'll enjoy a rare glimpse of the studio and home of Evans and Holly Flammond. Evans Flammond is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux/Lakota Reservation of South Dakota. He works to preserve Lakota Heritage and is passionate about many types of art.
Evans paints on canvas, hides, and ledger paper. Accounting paper was used by the Native Americans and overlayed with beautiful works of art. Ledger art is one of our favorites, but his talent doesn't stop there. Evans creates American Indian weaponry, beadwork, and replicated ceremonial items.
Evans's wife, Holly, supports this mission and travels with Evans to show the world his creations. We'll learn about these types of art, their symbology, meaning, and their purpose in Lakota Culture. Holli will serve a delicious meal while we discuss what we've experienced. On some days, we may be blessed with a surprise visitor.
The studio and home of the Flammonds is a private experience and not open to the public. Guests of My XO Adventures will be given a special gift and have the opportunity to purchase his art and even have it signed! It's truly an honor and a privilege to have the Flammonds invite us into their home and host during our visit.
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Singing Horse Trading Post
After having a wonderful experience at the Flammonds, we make our way north towards the Massacre at Wounded Knee. We will stop here, and if you wish you can pay respects and see the mass grave. No photos should be taken during this time. Continuing on we hop out at the Singing Horse Trading post to say hello to Rosie.
Rosie has lived on the reservation for decades and runs a trading post selling artwork and supplying artists with the needed materials. You can find all types of art in this space, and even some sweets on certain days. After saying hi to Rosie, we continue on to the White River Badlands Visitor Center and Sheep Mountain Table.
White River Badlands Visitor Center
The White River Visitor Center is great to stop and learn about the Southern Unit of the Badlands, A.K.A, the Stronghold Unit. This park area is Co-Managed by the National Park Service and the Oglala Lakota Tribe. You can speak with the rangers, learn the area's history and get your passport stamped!
Road to Sheep Mountain Table
Sheep Mountain Table Overlook
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Sheep Mountain Table Overlook
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Once we've had the chance to explore and enjoy the breathtaking views atop Sheep Mountain Table, we give thanks and make our way back toward your accommodations. We might stop at a little ghost town along the way, or see some wildlife and get some pictures.
We sincerely hope that you've enjoyed your time learning about the lesser-known places, and stories that often don't make it to the top of the list. Our Lakota neighbors carry within them the knowledge of this land long before Columbus set sail. Thank you for spending time with us, our friends in Pine Ridge, and all the Lakota people.
Tour Inclusions |
Pine Ridge Reservation Map |
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