The People of the Afraid of Bear – American Horse Tiospaye

Our Founders

Our founders, Loretta Afraid of Bear–Cook and Tom Cook, have devoted their lives to reintroducing Lakota culture to our family, our community, and the world. 

They are full-time employees of the organization, fulfilling key roles as Spiritual Advisor and Executive Director, respectively. Their passion for the work we do and deep commitment to our four focus areas is vital to our organization’s success.

 

Antonia Loretta Afraid of Bear–Cook
Co-Spiritual Director

Thomas Kanatakeniate Cook
Co-Spiritual Director | Executive Director

Future generations of Oglalas should know everything their ancestors believed and practiced; and so that all the world will know of the Oglala Gods.

– GEORGE SWORD 1896

Our Organization

Our organization is named for two Oglala Sioux families that joined together to form this Tiospaye generations ago. 

This website’s URL, tiospaye1847.org, reflects the birth year of our earliest known ancestor, George Sword. It was chosen to honor his commitment to growing our community of culture keepers through the longtime Sioux practice of Hunka – extending family through adopted relatives – and by sharing ancestral knowledge with the outside world. 

We created this 501c3 organization to continue these practices and ensure that the knowledge of our people will benefit generations to come. Our hope is that this work uplifts those around us and serves as a model and inspiration for indigenous people throughout the world who are seeking to preserve and share their ancestral knowledge. 

 

Our Leadership

Our board of directors reflects our unique Tiospaye, with representation from the Afraid of Bear and American Horse families as well as our Hunka relatives. This group brings together elders and next-generation leaders, and all board members are long-time participants in our annual Sun Dance.

 

Our Supporters

We thank the many organizations that have supported our work for the past 40 years and help turn our ideas into realities. All of you are part of our Tiospaye.