“The Lakota was a true lover of nature. He loved the earth and all things of the earth, the attachment growing with age. It was good for the skin to touch the earth and the old people liked to remove their moccasins and walk with bare feet on the sacred earth. Their tipis were built upon the earth and their altars were made of earth. The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing and healing. For us, to sit or lie upon the ground is to be able to think more deeply and to feel more keenly; we can see more clearly into the mysteries of life…”
– Chief Luther Standing Bear, born in 1868
“The tipi is much better to live in; always clean, warm in winter, cool in summer; easy to move. The white man builds big houses, cost much money, like big cage, shut out sun, can never move; always sick.”
– Flying Hawk, a Oglala born in 1852.
You will learn to set up a traditional Sioux style lodge, outfit it in luxurious 19th century style, with buffalo robes, willow backrests, rawhide parfleche bags, and beaded accouterments. You will sleep next to the earth, feeling her energy, and see the stars through the opening above you. You will learn to build the central fire and set up the altar behind it. You will gain an understanding of why a tipi faces east and of the world view integral to life in the sacred circle.
While we encourage you to sleep in the tipi (at least one night of your stay,) we have lovely cabins available for your use. Mountain weather is unpredictable and this guarantees a safe and dry place to store your clothing and personal belongings, bathe or shower, and sleep in a comfortable bed. We want your stay to be comfortable, entertaining, educational and above all, stress free.
