Moves Camp blesses future site of Sacred Circle Garden

On Friday, Oct. 7, Richard Moves Camp, eminent Oglala Lakota elder who is descended from a long line of holy men, blessed the site of the future Cangleska Wakan (Sacred Circle) Garden. Before the blessing, Moves Camp spoke of the importance of using the land thoughtfully and being respectful of the earth and all who call it home.  

"It was wonderful to have Richard Moves Camp bless our site, which is dedicated to the many Native American people who hold He Sapa as a sacred place," said Casey Petersen, chair of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA). "To have such a prominent holy man see that we are attempting to show respect and also share their culture with visitors, employees, scientists and partners who come to the Black Hills is a reinforcement that we are on the right track in building the Sacred Circle Garden."

In keeping with Lakota tradition, Peterson and his sister, Robin Peterson-Lund, presented Moves Camp with a gift of tobacco and a clay bowl, as well as an aluminum print of Bear Butte. Both are enrolled members of the Oglala Lakota tribe. Mike Headley, executive director of the SDSTA and lab director of SURF, presented Moves Camp with a gift of sage and sweetgrass.

Construction on the Sacred Circle Garden is expected to begin next spring and conclude in the fall. “This is a momentous step forward,” said Casey Peterson, chair of the SDSTA Board and ex officio member of the SURF Foundation Board. “We have been working to make this a reality for over a year and now we can declare success.”