Chief Little Wound - Taopi Cikala
Chi
ef Little Wound was a renowned leader of the Kiyuksu (Bear People) clan of the Oglala Lakota Nation. Riding alongside Crazy Horse in the Battle of Greasy Grass and counting coup in other late nineteenth century encounters, Little Wound was recognized for showing compassion and generosity toward his people. Traveling to Washington, D.C., he advocated for the rights of the Lakota people. His son, George, inherited this cause and lobbied for a new school on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. George Little Wound wanted an alternative to the boarding schools that many children were forced to attend: a school where students could learn their own history, culture, and language. In the early twentieth century, our school was established and named in both of their honor. For nearly a century, Little Wound School - Taopi Cikala Owayawa, has been a leader at providing a quality education grounded in Lakota culture and history. Named in honor of Chief Little Wound and his son, George, today our school educates approximately 800 students from Pre-Kindergarten to the twelfth grade.
Today, Taopi Cikala Owayawa's mission remains unchanged. We inspire our wakanyeja by providing a safe, academic, and strong Lakota cultural foundation through nurturing healthy wakanyeja to teach their hopes and dreams.
All our students receive Lakota language instruction from kindergarten through graduation, students take classes in tribal government and Native American studies, and they have the opportunity to attend cultural activities throughout the year. Our students are also some of the most incredibly talented people in the nation: they include Gates Millennium Scholars, Indian National Finals Rodeo champions, Lakota Nation Invitational tournament champions, actors, published poets, and more.