Lakota Atlas

Lakota knowledge as reflected in telling the history of place, specifically communities formed both on- and off-reservation, is largely invisible; much of the published understandings about Lakota peoples are non-Native authored. This continues to reinforce that the external voice is the main voice of the people. Many tribal communities, obscured by the complexities of racial labels and multiple migrations, often do not have safe-keeping places for knowledge. Lakota knowledge about changes in land base, the diminishing lands within reservation boundaries, and the effects of transitions to border towns to find work imparts significant understandings of place, history, culture, and environment.

This is the Lakota Atlas; an Indigenous mapping, storytelling, and digital heritage project designed by and for the Oglala Oyanke. The Atlas is centered on remembering traditional knowledges through a present-time telescope and creating a reverent space for Oyanke (community) members to share their “digital heritages” (photos, videos, stories, tiwahe, and tiospaye knowledge). A pivotal aspect of the Lakota Atlas was the implementation of GIS and geospatial technologies within Lakota oral history and heritage sharing. As Leksi Jhon Goes In Center explains, “Lakota have always been geospatial reasoners.” It was this paradigm of thought that guided Lakota Atlas as we created maps and archival aerial satellite imagery that can be seen and accessed by community members who want to utilize them.

Our journey towards the Lakota Atlas began in 2020 with three years of deep community conversations and centering of Lakota voices and decision-makers. The Lakota Atlas committee and partners spent a considerable amount of time focusing on issues around data sovereignty, proper handling of collectively owned information, and culturally appropriate protocols for engaging with community members that center relationships and kinship protocols that have been in Lakota culture for generations.

Organizing Committee:

• Susana Geliga

• Jhon Goes In Center

• Camille Griffith

• Maranda Herman

• Alex Romero-Frederick

• James Sanovia

• Molina Two Bulls

Partner Organizations:

• The Heritage Center at Mahpiya Luta

• Racing Magpie

Project Manager (December 2021-December 2023):

• Elisha Yellow Thunder

Project Administrators:

• Tawa Ducheneaux

• Peter Strong

Past Committee members:

• Maka Black Elk

• Micheal Catches Enemy

• Mark Hetzel

• Arlo Iron Cloud

• Trina Lone Hill

Past Project Administrator

• Mary Maxon