Annual Gathering at Fort Phil Kearny for Winter Tallies
In the heart of the American prairie, a tradition of profound cultural and historical significance continues to resonate among Native American tribes such as the Sioux (Lakota), Kiowa, and Mandan. Known as Winter Counts, these visual records serve as a bridge between the past and the present, encapsulating tribal experiences and communal milestones in a series of annual records.
At a recent gathering, Abigail Zenner, an Eastern Dakota, shared insights about the Buffalo Calendar and Winter Counts. The event, held on July 2nd, marked the beginning of the first summer program at Fort Phil Kearny, organised by the Native American Student Interpretive Ranger program.
The Rosebud Winter Count, a notable example, was discovered in an attic in South Dakota. Originally painted on buckskin, it now has examples painted on muslin or paper. Despite its lack of a known interpretation, the Rosebud Winter Count spans at least 136 years and depicts a meteor shower, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
Winter Counts are more than just visual calendars; they are a testament to the resilience and creativity of Native American communities. They serve as historical archives, preserving tribal experiences and major occurrences, from the gift of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe to significant battles and cultural milestones.
For the Lakota, these annual records of notable events function as a mnemonic device, helping to remember and recount history. Elders use them as educational tools, teaching younger generations about their heritage, cultural values, and significant past events.
By recording and remembering their own perspectives and histories visually, tribes like the Lakota maintain and reinforce their identity and continuity over centuries. Winter Counts can also reaffirm tribal sovereignty and the persistence of Native histories in the face of external pressures and historical erasure.
While the Lakota are perhaps the most widely recognised for this tradition, the Kiowa and Mandan tribes have their own versions of Winter Counts, which similarly function as communal records and reflective tools, capturing their histories through sequential symbolic imagery.
The Native American Student Interpretive Ranger program, a partnership between The Fort Phil Kearny/Bozeman Trail Association, the Bighorn National Forest, and Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, aims to preserve and promote these cultural treasures. Through student participation in programs at the Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmarks and Fort Phil Kearny during the summer, the program fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of these rich cultural traditions.
As Abigail Zenner greeted the crowd in her native language, it was clear that the tradition of Winter Counts continues to thrive, serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of Native American communities and their commitment to preserving their history for future generations.
Learning about the Winter Counts, a tradition among Native American tribes like the Lakota, Kiowa, and Mandan, offers insights into education-and-self-development as historical archives and mnemonic devices. With programs like the Native American Student Interpretive Ranger, these cultural treasures are being preserved and promoted, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of such rich educational resources.
