Symbolism at Sicangu Akicita Owicahe Tribal Veterans CemeteryGrade Level: 9-10

Summary: Students will learn about the symbolism involved in the design and structure of the cemetery and the headstones. Students will discuss the background of these symbols, then create their own structure using symbols important to them.

Targeted Standards9-12.G.1.1 Use maps and other geographic representations, tools and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective. 9-12.G.1.2 Employ mental maps to organize information about cultures, places, and environment in a spatial context. 9-10.W.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

Oceti Sakowin Standard: Standard 1.3Demonstrate understanding of the interrelationships of Oceti Sakowin people, places, and environments within all tribal lands in South Dakota

Implementation:1. Introduction to the cemetery: The Sicangu Akicita Owicahe Tribal Veterans cemetery

opened in 2013 on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. It is the first Veterans cemetery on Indian land. Every little part of this resting place was designed with intention, even the shape of the cemetery. Most cemeteries are fit to the land but at Sicangu Akicita Owicahe, the cemetery is in the form of a turtle, representing life. Symbolism creates a story and holds intent, it’s important to how we represent and how we honor our cultures.

2. Discuss the symbolism present around the cemetery:a. Why the land is important to Lakota culture? Why would it be important to have

relatives rest in the land of the tribe? b. Talk about their relationship with the land, discuss the quote from Crazy Horse on

the dedication marker. (Image 2)c. Eagle feather statues: Eagle feathers represent strength and braver.d. Circle at the top of the building: Hoop, unity, medicine wheele. Markers on headstones: religion, ranks

f. Flags: American, State, Tribal, Militaryg. Military emblems: Branch and special recognitions

3. Break down what the symbols stand for. Focus mostly on the medicine wheel, its meanings and color representations.

http://aktalakota.stjo.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8592

4. Teacher led discussion: Why do they want to involve symbolism in the building? What about the land, and its importance? There’s even purpose and meaning in the layout.On the headstones?What do these symbols tell others? What would someone with no understanding of Lakota culture get from these symbols?

5. Student led discussion: What symbols define our own cultures? Start small: symbols in our home, in the school, church, country, heritage?Do colors carry meaning? Are there cross-culture symbols?

Activity: Create a park, home or building based off of symbology. The symbology can be made up

by you. Map out what symbols you’ve used as well as an explanation of those symbols and why you used them. Use colors and shapes with intention. Within your creation make one spot that is sacred to you, make it meaningful to you, use colors and symbols that are important in your life.

Besides a key, write a brief history or summary of your home/park/building. Tell us why the colors and symbols are important. Is there a story behind them? Be creative or be historical.

Materials:Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Medicine wheel info: http://aktalakota.stjo.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8592Lakota symbols: https://www.whats-your-sign.com/sioux-symbols.htmlOther symbols throughout history: https://www.csuchico.edu/~nwylde/250/symbolsnet/

Assessment:Through discussion and student project students should display a knowledge of the importance of symbolism in cultures. Students should be able to recognize the importance of the medicine wheel in the Lakota culture and name some of its representations. Students can also clearly show examples and relate to symbols in their own lives.