The class started the day with programming focused on inclusive leadership led by Extension Educator Toby Spanier. We enjoyed playing a card game where each table had different rules and we were unable to communicate with one another to reinforce the challenges that occur when we do not allow for differences in mindset, assumptions, and beliefs while working together. Did I mention we couldn’t communicate???
We then had the opportunity to travel to the Lower Sioux Historic site where John Robertson provided the group on the history of the Lower Sioux. This served as an excellent foundation for our day in the Lower Sioux community.
The next stop for the group was a tour with Darin Prescott, Health & Clinic CEO of Lower Sioux Health Care Center. What a fantastic facility that the group was able to view and learn more about the work of the Health Care Center and services provided to the Lower Sioux Community.
The afternoon was spent learning about the Lower Sioux Early Head Start and Head Start and the Lower Sioux Intergenerational Cultural Incubator. At the Lower Sioux Early Head Start and Head Start we were able to learn about the important services provided to the community and how they plan to continue to grow to support additional families in the community. We quickly made our way to the Lower Sioux Intergenerational Cultural Incubator where we heard from Grace Goldtooth, Arts Coordinator and Taylor Maguire, Administration Coordinator about this beautiful new facility that will continue to support the community by providing meals to Elders, teaching cooking to the youth, and providing space for entrepreneurs to develop and grow their ideas. Remember Ruby? We were able to see Ruby in action using her long arm sewing machine while quilting a beautiful piece in one of the rooms provided in the center. We could have spent a lot of time learning about her quilts and the process, but we were onto the next adventure. If you have a chance to visit this space, we encourage you to do so. It is a beautiful space where many great things will start.
A diverse panel discussion was provided for the class to ask any questions about the Lower Sioux. As anyone can imagine, we were able learn so much about the Lower Sioux Indian community.
We then transitioned back for dinner and a program where John Robertson shared some of his personal story with the group. It was a great time to have many conversations with classmates, alumni and spouses about important topics in our world.
Submitted by Chelsea Honnette
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