Oceti Sakowin
vimeo.com/185072903
Art permeates the entire social and organizational fabric of the Oceti Sakowin camp. From dancing, to banner making, to singing, storytelling and horsemanship events elders and youth alike are engaged in Prayerful ceremonies. The spaces and architecture of the camp are fluid; a tent utilized one day for media services is transformed the next day into a medical tent. New shelters are being constructed, corrals installed and new Tipis going up. The lines between ritual, ceremony, activism, labor and art are woven together into distinct and intentional purpose.
During our time there, the combined camps swell to an estimated 5,000 people. The central public circle oscillates between the warm hum of multitudes of multi-national conversations to the rhythm of drums and ceremonial singing. The kitchen operation is beyond impressive, flush with determined volunteers working long hours in a coordinated dance of efficiency. There are many different tasks that one can contribute towards the day-to-day operations here that include cooking, cleaning, chopping wood, carrying and unloading supplies, and assisting with the facilitation of events. The camp is maintained without commerce and all of the available resources are donated. People take what they need and contribute what they can.
Only two miles away, taking place at the same time as the horsemanship event is the now infamous aggression of attack dogs and pepper spray perpetrated on the protectors. Back at the camp, the children move freely, internally, the community is a safe place.
Featured Music: The Ovaries-eez / SUGAR
theovarieseez.bandcamp.com/album/i-saw-you-in-my-dream