PRESERVATION THURSDAY: EXPLORE LAKOTA HISTORY, ART, CULTURE, AND DANCE

DEADWOOD – Deadwood History, Inc. and the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission will host a presentation by Starr Chief Eagle at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021, at the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC), 150 Sherman Street, Deadwood. Free to members and $5 for non-members. The event is wheelchair accessible. Please feel free to bring your lunch.

Starr Chief Eagle will provide a complete ethnic dive into Lakota Culture that will explore the language, art, and stories of the Lakota people in a fun, educational way. She will also showcase her artwork. Chief Eagle will talk about the instruction, materials, meaning, and history of each piece. She will conclude her presentation with a Hoop Dance performance. The Hoop Dance is a very old and traditional dance that is performed by several Indigenous nations throughout the United States and Canada. Although this dance is celebrated by many tribes, it is a rare skill that may take many years of practice to master. This dance brings about positive messages of peace, unity, balance, and healing. This is accomplished by creating several designs, shapes, and creatures from the hoops to tell a story.

Starr Chief Eagle is a Lakota artist, educator, and Hoop Dance extraordinaire. She is an enrolled member of the Sicangu (Rosebud) Lakota Sioux Tribe. Chief Eagle was born with the Lakota name Wichahpi Tokahe (First Star) and was later given the Lakota name Wichahpi Ohitika Winyan (Brave Star Woman) as she entered into adulthood. She grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota including Rapid City and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and started hoop dancing before she could walk and since then has been practicing every year to improve her techniques and skills. She was raised in hoop dancing by her father Dallas Chief Eagle and carries on his teachings with a combination of her own. Chief Eagle continues to learn more about the art, history, and language of the Lakota people. She has a Bachelor of Science in American Indian Studies from Black Hills State University. This knowledge can be seen in her crafts such as beading, sewing, and other artworks as well as influences her performances and teachings, enriching her everyday life.

This program is sponsored in part by the South Dakota Arts Council with funds from the State of South Dakota through the Department of Tourism and National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission, Deadwood History, Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation, Deadwood Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, Spearfish Chamber of Commerce, and Saloon No. 10.

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We inspire the global community by preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Deadwood and the Black Hills in the context of the American West through exceptional exhibits, innovative educational programs, and access to extensive collections in unique settings.

Adams Museum, Days of ’76 Museum, Historic Adams House, Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC), and The Brothel Deadwood.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.