Lakota elder Jace DeCory passes away
Jace DeCory was a bridge builder, dedicated to creating awareness between and among cultures
Janet Lea (Jace) DeCory was a bridge builder, dedicated to creating awareness between and among cultures. The Lakota elder and educator passed away on Nov. 8, leaving behind a family that extended well beyond her immediate circle.
The Jace DeCory Center for American Indian Studies at Black Hills State University said in a Facebook Post, “She was our mentor, our teacher, our friend, our family. To know her was to love her and she will be greatly missed. She has touched so many lives and taught us how to be a good relative. She has left a legacy of knowledge, thankfulness, generosity, sincerity, and strength.”
"I’ve known Jace for most of my life," said Mato Standing High, member of the SURF Cultural Advisory Committee. "She was the epitome of what we strive to be as Lakotas. Her loss is felt by so many she has cared for, educated and inspired. May her journey to the stars be as amazing and as bright as she was."
DeCory, a leader among the Lakota, served her community in many ways: as an educator, a speaker, and an advisor. In the past few years, DeCory worked closely with the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) as an advisor on cultural outreach programming and served on the Sacred Circle (Cangleska Wakan in Lakota) Garden Advisory Committee.
When completed in 2023, Cangleska Wakan will serve as a place to enhance understanding about the history of Indigenous peoples who call He Sapa (the Black Hills) home, connect visitors with SURF’s underground science through the lens of Native ways of knowing, and serve as a place for ceremonies and quiet reflection.
George Campbell, chair of SURF’s Cultural Advisory Committee, often looked to DeCory for guidance in creating stronger culture awareness at SURF.
“Jace DeCory was a kind and loving person,” Campbell said. “She used her vast knowledge of American Indian history and culture to help other cultures understand and appreciate American Indian culture. She helped people at SURF better understand the importance of the Black Hills and that we are working on sacred ground that must be treated with respect. She was just plain wonderful will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.”
Mike Headley, executive director of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority, which manages SURF, said of DeCory’s passing, “The SURF family is sad to learn of Jace’s passing. We appreciated her generous guidance over the years in helping shape our cultural outreach programs and ensuring our work at SURF is respectful of the sacredness of the Black Hills. She will be greatly missed.”