The Horse Nation of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ

The horse is more than just an animal for the Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota people who make up the Seven Councils Fire. Rather than only a means for work or travel, the horse has been cherished as kin since its reintroduction to North America more than three centuries ago. The Horse Nation of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ explores the cultural and spiritual significance of the horse as seen through the eyes of contemporary Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota artists.

This exhibition is organized by The Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian School (Pine Ridge, SD), in partnership with artist Keith BraveHeart (Oglala Lakota). Original artworks from people of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Lakota, Dakota, Nakota) that are related to and inspired by the Šúŋka Wakȟáŋ Oyáte (Horse Nation) were collected through a community informed process, open call and/or invitation.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website