The Lakota Ceremonial Season begins with the Wakinyan, Return of the Thunder Beings. Taking place in the sacred He Sapa (Black Hills), the land of the Lakota People. The Return of the Thunder Beings takes place during the return of the Spring Season. Wakinyan is brought in the presence of rain, thunder and lightning. With spring brings the celebration of life, flowers bloom, animals come out of hibernation, and new animals are brought into this earth. With the miracles of life in the Spring, the Thunderbeings also bring destruction. Thunderstorms, hail, tornados, floods and hurricanes are detrimental. On the Lakota Medicine Wheel the color black, represents the direction West. West is home to the Thunderbeing. The Thunderbeing is a spirit in the form of a bird. His wings bare thunder and lightning comes from his eyes. The direction west is connected with the power of purification and rain.
While the Lakota People celebrate Spring as the Return of the Thunder Beings. The Anishinaabe Tribe are celebrating their New Year/Sugar Moon. Ziissbaakdoke Giiza The Sugar Moon is signified by the maple sap running from the trees. Sap was one of the Medicines given to the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) People.
Author Bio: Nikkole Bostnar is a Business Major in her Senior year at Oglala Lakota College. She is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Nikkole is a single mother of two boys, Anthony who is 13 years old and Isaiah, age 11. She has developed a passion for fitness and a devotion to helping her community by education. Nikkole is the current elected Vice President of He Sapa American Indian Business Leaders Chapter, who has a strong presence in the Rapid City community, as well as the Native American Community. Follow Nikkole on Instagram @nikkole_b and like our Facebook Page @OLCHeSapaAIBL