(Editors note: This is the fourth story in a five-part series explaining the values emphasized in the Hocoka Ohomni Wacinyekiyapi – Lakota Circles of Hope – program. It is a culturally specific prevention curriculum for second through fifth grade students living on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations. Program instructors use Lakota culture and tradition to help empower children to make healthy and positive choices.)

By Becky Berreth

   “Being brave is knowing what the right thing to do is and doing it,” explained Marcie Pudwill, prevention specialist at Catholic Social Services.

   “It is having the courage to make a good decision even if it’s against your friends,” added Lakota Circles of Hope instructor Denise One Star. “Even if you are afraid.”
Bravery (woohitika) is defined in the program as facing danger with courage, fortitude, perseverance, confidence, and resolution. It is believing in oneself enough to face adversity fortified with strong Lakota moral convictions, and the ability to come to terms with hardships and find a resolution that benefits everyone involved.

Students in Pine Ridge show off the shields they designed and built while learning about bravery. On the feathers, students record their accomplishments. (Courtesy photo)

•     When learning about bravery, students are taught about the importance of self-respect and self-worth and how they relate to being brave. According to a third grade lesson plan, being brave can be as simple as opening a door for someone, bringing food to someone who needs it, or helping out a friend. “I have children who run up to me and help carry in my bags for class no matter what other students might say,” said One Star. “That is a way to show bravery.”
  
      One way staff teach bravery is by using a lesson plan titled, “My Lakota Shield,” said Pudwill. “The warriors used bows and arrows to defend themselves. Feathers were added to the shields to show success. We ask the students how they can use a shield to protect themselves, and what accomplishments or actions have they done to earn feathers.”
  
      Students then design and build shields they can use to protect themselves from risky behaviors they have identified. Some of the suggestions for designing the shield include:
  *a dream or wish
  *a noteworthy achievement
  *a special memory or event.
  
      They draw the designs on their shield using a Lakota geometric design or one of their own. The students add feathers to their shield. “They have lots of ideas for the feathers – they finished their homework, helped a friend, they attended school every day ... those kinds of things,” said Pudwill.
  
      After the shields are completed, students are encouraged to hang them in a place where they will be reminded of their achievements. “If you are brave and strong and remember what your shield stands for, then you can protect yourself (from risky behaviors),” Pudwill finished.