My Story

THE HEART OF ALL STORIES, ORAL AND WRITTEN IS REMEMBERING:

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“BEFORE THE EMERGENCE FROM ONIYA OSHOKA, THE CAVE WHERE THE EARTH BREATHES INSIDE. WE DID NOT KNOW ILLNESS.

WE DID NOT KNOW SEPARATION OR LONELINESS.

WE WERE ONE.

A WOLF, HE CAME TO LEAD THE WAY.

THE OPENING WE EMERGED.

SEVEN FAMILIES, OCETI SAKOWIN.

NO WAY BACK.

TRAVELING IN THE WIND.

NOW WE KNEW, NOW WE EXPERIENCED.

NOW WE ACCEPTED.

BECAUSE WE REMEMBER.

STORIES OF HOW TO BE.

STORIES OF WHO WE ARE.

OCETI SAKOWIN, "THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH.”

 

Everything and everybody has a story. My story as an artist and storyteller began at an early age, with direct influence from my family and Kul Wicasa community. Their shared teachings and ceremonies are the foundation of my core values and creative lifestyle today.

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Most memorable was listening to our storytellers during the winter season. Their theatrical and exaggerated gestures brought to life historic and contemporary stories intended to entertain and teach. I know I was destined to be a teller of stories wanted to become a teller of stories.

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Today, I am humbled and grateful to be living my dream. I have several published books that share my cultural perspectives and diverse worldviews with children and youth of various ages and backgrounds worldwide.

 

In my gratitude, I honor my teachers, family, and storytellers for inspiring me and encouraging me to never stop believing in myself. Much like my teachers, family, and storytellers before me, is not enough for me to be creative, I must inspire creativity in others, and my circle is complete. 

 

Mitakuye Oyasin

Alfreda Beartrack-Algeo