During our American geography block, we learned about the way Native American tribes and nations from different regions used to live on the land. We became most fascinated with the Lakota (Sioux) way of life. These were the people who lived on the Great Plains, who followed the buffalo, who lived in tipis. We were especially interested in how the children were raised. We then learned about the injustices done to these proud people after gold was discovered in the Black Hills, the biographies of Black Elk and Sitting Bull and about the massacre at Wounded Knee.

Ms. Stevenson then told us that there was a Waldorf School on the Pine Ridge reservation – the only Waldorf School on an Indian reservation anywhere. It is located in the second poorest county in America, and the parents cannot afford any tuition, so the Lakota Waldorf School relies completely on donations. We decided to raise money for them. We are making bookmarks to sell. Mr. Petro, who used to teach at our school, will be doing a benefit concert of kirtan music, the music of India to help us raise money. Why, you may ask, the music of India for the Lakota School? We started fifth grade learning stories from Ancient India. The concert is Friday evening, April 20, at 7 pm. We will also be selling refreshments at the concert, as well as our bookmarks. Hope to see you there!

~ The Fifth Grade Class

http://www.waldorftoday.com/2012/01/the-lakota-waldorf-school/