Still Here, Still Strong: Reflections from Pine Ridge
- Anthony Kathol
- Aug 2
- 3 min read
Yesterday, I participated in the parade for the 40th Annual Oglala Nation Fair in Pine Ridge. This year's theme, "Oglala Lakota: Still Here, Still Strong," was especially fitting. It was a beautiful morning, and the temperature was ideal as the parade began at 10:30 a.m.
I had not attended the parade since 2024, when 57-year-old Tom Thunder Hawk was tragically shot and killed during the powwow the night before the parade. As a result, the tribal council canceled the 2025 Oglala Nation Fair and Powwow (1).
Because of construction on East Highway 18, this year's parade followed a different route. It began near the Fraggle Rock Road turnoff along State Highway 407 toward White Clay, then proceeded west on BIA Route 32 past the Tribal Headquarters before ending at the powwow grounds.
This is the largest parade I have ever attended within District 27, with many people lining both sides of the parade route. It was heartwarming to see the smiles on the faces of children and adults alike as I wished everyone a good morning. Their enthusiasm was contagious.
The parade theme, "Still Here, Still Strong," struck me as especially meaningful considering the challenges the Oglala Lakota people have endured across generations. In many ways, attending the parade was a fitting conclusion to my South Dakota Indian Studies online course of study at Black Hills State University, a course required for teacher certification in South Dakota.
As the parade ended, I found myself reflecting on the many smiles I had seen along the route.
After the parade, I stayed to watch the remaining floats pass by and visited with several people, handing out a few pieces of campaign literature along the way. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with individuals who wanted to discuss issues affecting the tribe and hear my views on them. I enjoyed every one of those conversations.
One unexpected highlight was being interviewed by the French television network TF1 for a documentary they were producing.
Later that afternoon, as I prepared to visit the powwow occurring in the arbor area, my vehicle would not start. It appeared the battery was dead. Fortunately, two recent high school graduates from the Pine Ridge area, who were preparing to compete in Saturday's Fancy Dance competition, came to my assistance and helped jump-start my vehicle.
Although I never learned their names, one was preparing to join the U.S. Air Force, and the other was heading to Chadron State University to study Health Sciences. I congratulated them on their choices, wished them success in the years ahead, and thanked them for their kindness. I remain grateful for their willingness to help a stranger.
I am grateful that I was able to participate in this year's parade. Before leaving the powwow grounds, I had a memorable encounter with a father and his daughter. I asked if I could take a photograph of his daughter, who was beautifully dressed in colorful powwow regalia, and he graciously agreed.
Miss Sungmanita Tanka Wakpala Owayawa
Cody Alice Larae Bettelyoun
Anpo Lowan Win
To me, she reflects this year's theme, "Still Here, Still Strong." Her vibrant regalia, joyful smile, and pride in her heritage represent the resiliency and hope for the future of the Oglala Lakota people. Encounters like this remind me why I chose to run for office—to help preserve and protect the South Dakota way of life that has shaped generations of South Dakotans, including myself, through faith, hard work, and a commitment to one another.
Life is never easy, but by passing these values on to future generations, we can help ensure that South Dakota remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.
May God continue to bless the Oglala Lakota people and the Great State of South Dakota.
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