Introduction to LAKOTA CULTURE 108
The Medicine Wheel symbolizes balance in all areas of life. Using the Medicine Wheel (or Sacred Circle), Lakota Elder Larry Salway shows us that when the Wheel is broken, quality of life declines; when it is whole and in balance, life becomes fulfilling.
We need to understand Native Americans and people in poverty as though we were Native and in poverty. That's why Life Initiatives has produced the "Lakota Culture" series . We also have a series on Poverty.
Larry Salway grew up on the Rosebud Reservation in southwestern South Dakota. He rose out of the poverty of his childhood and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and later, a professor at the Oglala Lakota College campuses in Kyle and Rapid City, SD. He served for five years as Tribal Judge in Pine Ridge, SD. Mr. Salway has also served as pastor of churches in Arizona and South Dakota. Larry is Co-President of Life Initiatives.
This video is part of the training series Life Initiatives has developed for mentor development. Find out more here.
____________________________
Click on a training category below to view the available videos:
Life Initiatives * P.O. Box 7505, Rapid City, SD * (605) 430-0794
Life Initiatives Home He Sapa Home Training Contact Us
__________________________________________________
LAKOTA CULTURE 108
mr. Larry Salway
"The Medicine Wheel: Introduction"
If you have trouble viewing this video, it can also be seen on You Tube
Outline of Lakota Culture 108
THE MEDICINE WHEEL (or Sacred Hoop): Introduction
Native thought, as depicted in the Sacred Hoop, is Non-linear
The Hoop contains 4 colors – symbolizing different groupings:
4 stages of life
4 elements – earth, wind, fire, water
4 seasons
The Hoop pictures Life in Balance – Mind, Body, Spirit, & Culture
In addiction counseling, the wheel is a reminder that life must be in balance; addictions throws off that balance.
Return to Training Main Page.
