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EPISODE TWELVE : PINE RIDGE
OUR STORYTELLERS
HORSE
sun'ka wakan
(Lakota)
The Lakota people of the Great Plains region of Turtle Island have a deeply rooted history, longstanding spiritual connection and symbiotic relationship with the horse. They are known in Lakota as sun’ka wakan, or “holy or mysterious dog,” and are part of the Horse Nation with whom the Lakota are allied.
Traditionally, the Lakota people led a nomadic lifestyle, following the bison herds, their primary food source. First introduced to North America by the Spanish in the 16th century, horses quickly spread to Indigenous nations, helping them travel across their territory and hunt for game.
The Lakota do not view the horse through the colonial lens as a mere beast of burden but rather as a close relative to humans with a sharp mind and deep emotional complexities. They symbolize resilience, passion and a drive for freedom.
Horses were part of all aspects of Lakota life, used for hunting bison, travelling across the Great Plains with the seasons, going to war and even for sport and recreation.
One of the traditions practiced by the Lakota is horse relay racing, going back over 300 hundred years when they first came in contact with horses. It has survived centuries of colonization and continues to be a popular sport today.
In these races, a jockey will ride his horse around a track as fast as possible. Once completing the first lap, he will leap off his first horse before running to the next and jumping on its back to continue his second lap. The first team to arrive at the finish line wins the race.
The practice has seen a resurgence in recent years, with teams from all over Indigenous Country competing against each other. These teams train, tour and compete together in championships, inspiring young, up-and-coming riders in the process.
Over the successive years of colonialism and marginalization of Indigenous people, the horse has remained a devoted and trusted ally to the Lakota people. Together, they have remained resilient through trying times and are now forging a bright future together.
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