News Release NP Public Library
The North Platte Public Library in partnership with Humanities Nebraska will resume its noon speaker programs starting in August. They will have seating arranged to accommodate social distancing so attendance will be limited to 30 people.
The first program will be at 12:00 PM, Friday, August 7th, titled “Harvesting Foods and Medicines in the Dakota Tradition” by Jerome Kills Small In this presentation, Kills Small describes the medicinal foods and plants that grow in the Missouri River valley, on the Great Plains and on up to the Rocky Mountains. He talks about the universal uses, legends and history of the plants in Native American life.
Jerome Kills Small is an Oglala Lakota from Porcupine, South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Reservation. A 1997 graduate from the University of South Dakota, with an M.A. in Selected Studies, and retired after 20 years at USD. He taught Lakota Language, American Indian Thought, Siouan Tribal Culture, Early Native American History. He is featured in the book, Wounded Warriors: A Time for Healing, and has a story in the Silver Anniversary Anthology published by the SD Humanities Council. Mr. Kills Small has parts in the videos: Sucker Punched, Nagi Kicopi (Calling Back the Spirit,) Lost Landscapes, and Bones of Contention: Repatriation and Reburial (BBC.) Jerome is a storyteller for public schools, museums, and colleges. Jerome translates, explains, and sings Lakota ceremonial, sweat lodge, powwow, rabbit, round dance, warrior, vision quest, and Sundance songs. He sings with the Iron Wing Singers of Wagner, SD. He is a powwow organizer, announcer, arena director, and helps in conducting Lakota ceremonies. He portrayed Tecumseh, a Shawnee Chief and British General. He also portrayed Dr. Charles Alexander Eastman, the first Dakota Medical Doctor. Mr. Kills Small is on the board of Directors for the Native American Advocacy Program.
All noon programs are free to the public. Funding is provided by Humanities Nebraska, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and local funding. Please call the library for seat reservations (535-8036, Ext 3320). Masks are encouraged but not required.