Pierre, S.D., Pow Wow Accommodates American Indians with Disabilities
Story-Date: 01:19 p.m. PST Sunday   , September 20, 1998

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Pierre, S.D., Pow Wow Accommodates American Indians with Disabilities


By Karen L. Testerman, Indian Country Today, Rapid City, S.D.
Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Sep. 21--PIERRE, S.D.--Pow wows are intended for everyone to enjoy, but
attending one can be a chore for those with disabilities.

To prove American Indian social gatherings can be made accessible for
people with disabilities, the Native American Advocacy Project and Rocky
Mountain American Disability Act (ADA) Technical Assistance Center were
hosts to the first Accessible Pow Wow at the Pierre Indian Learning Center
Aug. 29, in Pierre.

"Several hundred people came out to dance and show their support for the
Pow Wow," said Independent Living Specialist Travis Hamilton, an Oglala
Sioux.

The grand entry was led by Hunkpati Oyate Akicita Society Color Guard from
Fort Thompson. Drum groups at the special event were Maza Ho Waste also
from Fort Thompson and Wahpe Kute from Sisseton. Rosebud Sioux Tribal
member Leo Chasing In Timber, a well-known announcer and an advocate for
people with disabilities, was master of ceremonies.

"Several people were honored at the event because of their exceptional work
and dedication on the part of persons with disabilities," Mr. Hamilton
said.

Among those honored were Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal member Dorothy Clark,
a founding member of the board of directors for the advocacy project; CRST
member Steve Emery, CRST attorney general and tribal attorney; Rosebud
Sioux Tribal member Penny Wilson, Rosebud IHS field health director; Dianna
Marshal, director of protection and advocacy for individuals with mental
illness, and Kira Lacompte, Aberdeen IHS mental health program specialist.

Volunteer of the Year was Rosebud Sioux Tribal member Paula Hamilton from
Okreek. She was recognized for her dedication and service to the advocacy
project.

Advocate of the Year is Standing Rock Sioux Tribal member Emma Harrison.

Guest speakers were RST member Webster Two Hawk Sr., commissioner of tribal
government relations; RST member Walter Bear Shield, alcohol and drug
counselor for RST's Little Hoop Lodge; Crow Creek Tribal member Melanie
Walking Eagle, a strong advocate for her people of the Crow Creek Nation,
and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal member Leslie Horn, Miss Healthy Nation,
from Eagle Butte.

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(c) 1998, Indian Country Today, Rapid City, S.D. Distributed by Knight
Ridder/Tribune Business News.



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