Reifel’s work enabled the Museum to represent, preserve and celebrate the rich artistic traditions and cultural values of Oceti Sakowin communities. Interest in his collection encouraged donors like the Thorburns and Dudecks to find a permanent home for their Native American collections. During that period, he accurately predicted that his collection would attract others to the Museum. Reifel served on the South Dakota Art Museum Board of Trustees from 1977 until his death in 1990. This rattle and eleven other objects in the collection were permanently donated to the Museum in 2004 by Reifel’s daughter, Loyce Reifel Anderson. His collection included a small but impressive array of Plains art objects, many that had been family pieces or gifts to him during his years of BIA service.

He established the first Native American collection at the Museum in 1977 by loaning his personal collection for display. Reifel was a great supporter of the arts. He served five terms before his retirement in 1971. He was elected by a substantial margin and became the first person of Lakota descent to serve in the US Congress. Questions Post Question There are no questions yet for this company. In 1960, Reifel left the BIA to run for Congress. Brave Heart, LLC in Vancouver, WA Company Info & Reviews Company Information Company Contacts DANA VENDLEY FOGLE Executor 15508 Ne 12th Way Vancouver, WA 98684 Reviews Write Review There are no reviews yet for this company. Led by licensed counselor and Brave Heart founding grandmother, Faith Spotted Eagle, the retreat focuses on healing through the rediscovery of cultural identity. Army, and again from 1949-1952 to attend Harvard University where he obtained his M.S. Brave Heart’s annual Nagi Kicopi Calling Back the Spirit Healing Retreat, which aims to heal the traumas of abuse and addiction, has an astounding sobriety success rate of an 80. Following his graduation, he began a tenure at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), which was interrupted from 1942-1945 to serve in the U.S. He graduated from South Dakota State College (now University) in 1932. 1831 – 1890), a Hunkpapa Lakota, was a famous leader of the Strong Heart Warrior Society.īen Reifel (1906-1990) was born on the Rosebud Reservation to William Reifel, a German-American and Lucy Lilly Burning Breast, Brule Sioux. Their purpose was to be physically, emotionally and spiritually able to defend the tribe whenever needed. Sitting Bull (c. Members of the Strong Heart society were sworn to codes of moral character including self-control, fearlessness and a duty to care for the poor. This rattle was given to Ben Reifel on July 4, 1935, on the occasion of his initiation into the Cante Tinza (Strong Heart or Brave Heart) Warrior Society. Leanne also returned to the lodge with her family to participate in a week-long storytelling event the connect youth like her to their culture.Untitled (Strong Heart Society rattle), early 20 th century She found a job, enrolled in college and was able to provide a stable home for her son and gain custody of her sister. She took refuge at the Brave Heart Society, getting strength through cultural practices such as the Isnati Coming of Age Ceremony for girls.Īt the Brave Heart Society lodge, Leanne cared for her young son and finished high school under the supervision of the Brave Heart grandmothers. “I’m so thankful that Brave Heart gave me the support I needed to find myself.”Īt just 15-years-old with a newborn, Leanne knew she could not raise her child in a home plagued by alcoholism and abuse. “I’m looking forward to the experiences that lie ahead of me,” says Patrice today.

Patrice had recently dropped out of college and was discouraged when she went to the Waterlily Storytelling Institute to learn more about her culture.Īlthough she had grown up in the tribal community, she was not exposed to cultural teachings.Īfter her Waterlily experience, she immersed herself in Brave Heart activities and participated in the Isnati Coming of Age Ceremony and returned to college. To increase awareness about Congenital Heart Disease.

Patrice first encountered Brave Heart through its annual Waterlily Storytelling Institute, where the old Dakota stories continue to teach morals, values and appropriate behavior in a fun and humorous way. The Brave Heart Fund (BHF) is a charitable fundraising initiative, established in November 2003.

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