Tasunke Witko Tokala Okolakiciye Program

The Junior Scout program is an educational activity booklet designed to provide information about American Indian tribes. The activity booklet is a self guided education tool designed for small or large school age groups or families with children visiting Crazy Horse Memorial. The program features activities such as a treasure hunt to identify certain specific displays or exhibits located in the museum complex, word search, fill in the blanks, puzzle and drawing activities. The activity booklet is specific to the Lakota history and culture in order to learn more about the indigenous tribes in South Dakota and the Black Hills region. Upon completion of the activity the students receive: a signed Crazy Horse Memorial Junior Scout Certificate, pencil and wristband that have the Lakota terms Bravery, Respect, Generosity and Wisdom engraved on them.

Upon special request the Native American Cultural Center offers Lakota history and culture interpretive programs to enhance the learning experience while visiting the Memorial. Examples of activities include: setting up a Lakota style tipi and playing Lakota society camp games including shinny/field hockey, hoop toss, whipping top game, bone and pin game, whirling bone game and hand games.

When visitation slows down in the winter season the Cultural Center features a make and take table. This hands-on activity provides easy to follow instruction on how to make Lakota style crafts such as: miniature drums, medicine pouches and par fleche designs. The guests may actually take the finished artwork home. Each make and take item has explanations of its cultural significance and usage in order to teach the proper cultural respect.

In addition, the Native American Education and Cultural Center staff can provide classroom discussion and lessons on American Indian history, culture, and contemporary issues affecting tribes today.