Tribute
I found this tribute on line today and the description of Don matches perfectly with the man we knew!
Had to share it.
Donald Robert Moccasin
Akicita Isnala Najin (Warrior Who Stands Alone)
July 5, 1948-August 10, 2009
Donald Robert Moccasin was born in Rosebud, South Dakota, the fourth child of Stephen Starry Moccasin and Ruth Stella Spotted Elk.
His father was an Episcopal priest.
During his childhood the family lived on various reservations, including the towns of Parmelee, Porcupine, Wanbli and Cherry Creek, where summers were spent on horseback roaming the hills and canyons.
Don loved to dance, and in his youth was a fancy dancer.
He was proud of being a “Hare School Boy”, and had fond memories of his boarding school days, where the Lakota language was spoken.
He was an avid basketball player throughout his school years.
He graduated from high school at the Institute of American Indian Art in l968, attended college in Las Vegas, NM, Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque, and later the Great Plains Art Institute at Sinte Gleska University.
Don was a deeply spiritual man and a Sun Dancer for 21 years.
His goal in life was to be an ikce’ wicasa, a humble man, a real man.
He was generous with his time and his knowledge, kind and respectful in his words and forgiving in his nature.
Don led a devotional life, committed to simplicity of faith, and prayer that was focused and powerful.
He had a peaceful and accepting quality that drew people to him.
Don’s life long interest was in Lakota education.
His enthusiasm and ready smile endeared him to both children and adults.
He loved to laugh, and was not afraid to laugh at himself.
Don was known for his spiritual connection to horses, and his knowledge of tipis.
He taught the Lakota component at the innovative Grass Mountain Demonstration School for seven years, guided by his belief in the sacredness of children. The children who attended Grass Mountain School remember his gentleness and patience, and his way of always bringing them back to what was important: how to be a good relative to each other and creation.
He held summer institutes for visiting colleges and universities at Meadowlark Tipi Village, and volunteered in local schools as well as traveled to other schools throughout the United States and Europe as an ambassador for the Lakota people and culture. He served on the Tribal Council, was a traditional wacipi dancer, and singer.
For many years he was a counselor for Indian Youth of America.
During the past several years he enjoyed teaching language part time for SGU Lakota Studies.
Whatever his endeavor, he brought joy to it, and left a lasting impression on all those he touched.
Since 2000 Don has been employed at Sinte Gleska University, interviewing Lakota elders in the Lakota language, and taping their stories. These recordings and their translations will be a living legacy to his respect and love for the Lakota people.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, and two infant brothers.
He leaves his beloved daughter Jemma MacKichan Moccasin, Margaret MacKichan, his traditional wife of 21 years, and sister, Martha Moccasin, as well as nieces, nephews and grandchildren, and nine hunka children.
He was interred at Grace Chapel Cemetery, Soldier Creek, South Dakota, next to his parents and grandparents.
Had to share it.
Donald Robert Moccasin
Akicita Isnala Najin (Warrior Who Stands Alone)
July 5, 1948-August 10, 2009
Donald Robert Moccasin was born in Rosebud, South Dakota, the fourth child of Stephen Starry Moccasin and Ruth Stella Spotted Elk.
His father was an Episcopal priest.
During his childhood the family lived on various reservations, including the towns of Parmelee, Porcupine, Wanbli and Cherry Creek, where summers were spent on horseback roaming the hills and canyons.
Don loved to dance, and in his youth was a fancy dancer.
He was proud of being a “Hare School Boy”, and had fond memories of his boarding school days, where the Lakota language was spoken.
He was an avid basketball player throughout his school years.
He graduated from high school at the Institute of American Indian Art in l968, attended college in Las Vegas, NM, Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque, and later the Great Plains Art Institute at Sinte Gleska University.
Don was a deeply spiritual man and a Sun Dancer for 21 years.
His goal in life was to be an ikce’ wicasa, a humble man, a real man.
He was generous with his time and his knowledge, kind and respectful in his words and forgiving in his nature.
Don led a devotional life, committed to simplicity of faith, and prayer that was focused and powerful.
He had a peaceful and accepting quality that drew people to him.
Don’s life long interest was in Lakota education.
His enthusiasm and ready smile endeared him to both children and adults.
He loved to laugh, and was not afraid to laugh at himself.
Don was known for his spiritual connection to horses, and his knowledge of tipis.
He taught the Lakota component at the innovative Grass Mountain Demonstration School for seven years, guided by his belief in the sacredness of children. The children who attended Grass Mountain School remember his gentleness and patience, and his way of always bringing them back to what was important: how to be a good relative to each other and creation.
He held summer institutes for visiting colleges and universities at Meadowlark Tipi Village, and volunteered in local schools as well as traveled to other schools throughout the United States and Europe as an ambassador for the Lakota people and culture. He served on the Tribal Council, was a traditional wacipi dancer, and singer.
For many years he was a counselor for Indian Youth of America.
During the past several years he enjoyed teaching language part time for SGU Lakota Studies.
Whatever his endeavor, he brought joy to it, and left a lasting impression on all those he touched.
Since 2000 Don has been employed at Sinte Gleska University, interviewing Lakota elders in the Lakota language, and taping their stories. These recordings and their translations will be a living legacy to his respect and love for the Lakota people.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, and two infant brothers.
He leaves his beloved daughter Jemma MacKichan Moccasin, Margaret MacKichan, his traditional wife of 21 years, and sister, Martha Moccasin, as well as nieces, nephews and grandchildren, and nine hunka children.
He was interred at Grace Chapel Cemetery, Soldier Creek, South Dakota, next to his parents and grandparents.
Thank you for sharing this about this remarkable man.
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