Tiospaye [tee•oh•spy•ah] Extended Family
Photo: Vic Glover
The members of the Afraid of Bear – American Horse Tiospaye respect and practice the traditions of the Oglala Sioux.
We are determined that these ways of life remain sources of pride and strength to our family, our community, and the world.
Like our ancestors, we are willing to share our traditions and knowledge with the broader world – the four directions – and work with allies and supporters to celebrate and document our invaluable heritage and practices.
Vision
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We envision a unified, inclusive Tiospaye that brings the strength and inspiration of deep connection to ancestral knowledge and spiritual practice to solving problems faced daily by Oglala people and indigenous populations across the globe.
Upcoming Ceremonies & Events
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Inipi for Women
June 2024
Women and girls will take part in a dedicated Inipi before Sun Dance
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Afraid of Bear -American Horse 35th Annual Sun Dance
June 17–21 2024
We will dance in the sacred Paha Sapa on the land of the Flandreau Santee Sioux. Tree Day will be on June 17
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Rites of Passage: Behind the Scenes at Sun Dance
June 2024
Youth will learn about the meaning behind elements of the Sun Dance in conversations with mentors each day
Focus Areas
Our ancestors believed important things — like seasons, directions, winds, and peoples — came in fours. Our Tiospaye has chosen four focus areas through which we feel we can have the greatest and most lasting impact. We believe addressing critical needs in these areas is vital to the well-being of present and future generations of Oglala people and our broader community.
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Sun Dance
Continuing our tradition of the annual Sun Dance and bringing back the other six of our Seven Sacred Ceremonies, to preserve ceremonial knowledge and bring healing to present and future generations.
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Health
Improving health by promoting food security and access to medical care for people on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
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Stewardship
Sharing the knowledge that has come from generations of land stewardship, as we seek to reclaim the responsibility of stewardship for the Black Hills, the place most sacred to the Oglala Sioux.
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Legacy
Collecting, recording, and archiving our ancestral knowledge, ensuring that future generations know their legacy and can carry it forward.
