Monday, August 13, 2012

Pe’ Sla: The Heart Of All That Is, Sacred Site of the Lakota is Threatened

Gratify yourself with a copy of this beautiful book "Lakota Star Knowledge: Studies in Lakota Theology" by Ronald Goodman. Contact your nearest bookstore or order one off of Amazon, after you've donated a little something to the LastRealIndians to preserve Pe'Sla.
Pe’ Sla: The Heart Of All That Is
Sacred Site Of The Lakota Is Threatened
By Chase Iron Eyes, Last Real Indians 
RAPID CITY, S.D. - Right now, the Oceti Sakowin (The Seven Council Fires), aka The Great Sioux Nation is battling against the clock to save one of its most sacred sites, Pe’ Sla, The Heart Of All That Is.  Pe’ Sla, located in the center of the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA, is considered to be the heart of everything that is by the Oceti Sakowin. It is part of their creation story, Pe’ Sla plays a crucial role in the star knowledge of the Sioux. Ceremonies essential to their culture and beliefs, that Tribal elders and spiritual leaders explain help keep the universe in harmony, must be conducted at Pe’ Sla.

On August 25, 2012, the Reynolds Family will auction 1,950 acres in five tracts of land to the highest bidder. Once sold, it is highly likely that Pe’ Sla will be opened up for development; the State of South Dakota is considering building a road directly through it.

We at LastRealIndians believe our sacred places were taken illegally by the United States government, and are collaborating with the Sicangu Lakota (Rosebud Sioux Tribe) and other bands of the Oceti Sakowin to centralize fundraising to save one of our most precious sacred sites, Pe ‘Sla.  In an unprecedented, collective effort the Oceti Sakowin is attempting to buy as much of Pe’ Sla as possible, to save it from destruction and ensure that future generations of the Oceti Sakowin and other First Nations that consider the Black Hills holy, will continue to have access to this vital sacred site to practice their faith on its ceremonial grounds in its natural, pristine state.

Help save Pe’ Sla, the Heart of the Sioux Nation.  Click on this link to make a contribution.  Any amount given, no matter how small, is appreciated:

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe is working with LastRealIndians.com to accept donations from both Tribes and individuals who want to join in keeping religious freedoms for Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people alive and intact at Pe’ Sla.  Send contributions to:

Rosebud Sioux Tribe/Pe Sla
11 Legion Ave., P.O. Box 430
Rosebud, SD 57570

or online with LRI at:www.indiegogo.com/PeSla-LakotaHeartland.  All donations to the tribe are tax-deductible and will only be used toward the purchase of Pe’ Sla.

Additional Contact Info:
Lastrealindians, Inc.
4265 45th Street S Ste 111-39
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
Phone: (605) 268-0434

*Oceti Sakowin (oh-CHAY-tee shaw-KOH-wee), or Seven Council Fires, is the traditional term that the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota people collectively refer to themselves. There are seven tribes, or bands, that make up the Seven Council Fires: Mdewakanton, Wahkpekute, Wahpetowon, and Sissetowon speak the Dakota dialect; Ihanktowona and Ihanktowon speak Nakota; Teton who speak Lakota. The Teton in composed of seven tribes or bands: Huncpapa, Sihasapa, Mniconjou, Itazipco, Oohenunpa, Sicangu, and Oglala.