About Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a vibrant ecosystem where the Pine Ridge Reservation’s artistic and cultural spirit flourishes. We ensure a space where creativity knows no bounds and cultural roots grow deeper with each generation. Discover the breadth of our programming and how we’re celebrating and elevating Indigenous talent, all within a nurturing environment that encourages boundless imagination and cultural preservation.
Watch this video of WO Program & Studio Manager Talon Bazille Ducheneaux and Drum Circle leader Santee Witt discuss the impact of our efforts to-date!
THE WO MUSIC PROGRAM ECOSYSTEM
From youth to elders, traditional music to beat-making workshops, the WO Music Program’s purpose is to serve the diverse interests of the Oglala Lakota community at-large.
Our team of Oglala Lakota artists understand the needs of community and musicians. In response, we have designed intergenerational, multi-disciplinary programming to foster creativity, openness, and expression. Scroll down to check out our different program areas.
Weekly Drum Circle
Wičaglata Circle
OLA Jam Session
Open Studio Sessions
OLA Monthly Mixers
Open Studio Sessions
OLA Monthly Mixers
Weekly Drum Circle
w/ Santee Witt
Open for all ages! Join us on Wednesdays 6-7pm MDT at the Oglala Lakota Artspace with Oglala Lakota musician, Santee Witt, leading a drum circle to sing and learn together. Whether you are fully knowledgeable and want a space to come sing, or you’re new to singing and want a safe-space to learn, come spend an hour each week at OLA.
Registration Link: https://formstack.io/31B1D
Weekly Drum Circle
w/ Santee Witt
Open for all ages! Join us on Wednesdays 6-7pm MDT at the Oglala Lakota Artspace with Oglala Lakota musician, Santee Witt, leading a drum circle to sing and learn together. Whether you are fully knowledgeable and want a space to come sing, or you’re new to singing and want a safe-space to learn, come spend an hour each week at OLA.
Registration Link: https://formstack.io/31B1D
Wičaglata Learning Circle
w/ Tiana Spotted Thunder
Hosted by Tiana Spotted Thunder, the Wicaglata Learning Circle offers a safe space for Winyan relatives interested in learning to sing. Attendees in this women-only circle will get to learn about Wicaglata protocol, societal importance, making skirts and shawls and more! Biweekly Meets at The Oglala Lakota Artspace
Registration Link: https://formstack.io/F2520
OLA Jam Session
w/ Featured Artists Monthly
Join us for our monthly Jam Sessions at OLA! During the first hour, we invite community members and any attendees to share a song, karaoke, poem, or other performance. Then, during the second hour of each Jam Session we invite an artist to be our “Artist Feature” and perform a special set. These events are intended to be a safe-space for new and seasoned performers to try something new, practice their work and connect with other performers.
Open Studio Sessions
w/ Staff Engineers
Generic text here briefly describing what this activity is about, who can participate, and when it takes place.
OLA Monthly Music Mixer
w/ Featured Artists Monthly
Join us at the OLA Monthly Music Mixer, part of the Wicahpi Olowan Music Program, where attendees can bring either their own tracks or songs that they are passionate about, play them in our “Listening Party” section of the event, connect with other artists/attendees about music, and then stick around when we feature our special guest of the month. We’ll play and hear about her music, music that has inspired them, and provide space for attendees to ask questions.
WO Founding Partners
Learn more about the organizations who came together to create positive change through music for Oglala Lakota communities across South Dakota.
FIRST PEOPLES FUND
FPF’s mission is to honor and support the Collective Spirit
of First Peoples artists and culture bearers.
We support the cultural, artistic and ancestral practices of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian artists, families and communities, helping them to thrive, heal and carry forward Indigenous creative expression, teachings and lifeways.
PLAYING FOR CHANGE FOUNDATION
PFCF grew out of a common belief that music has the power to connect people regardless of their differences. Founded in 2007, PFCF was established to create positive change through music and arts education.
PFCF currently supports 27 music programs working in more than 60 communities across 21 countries and territories.
OGLALA LAKOTA ARTSPACE
OLA’s mission is to be a hub of creativity, cultural preservation, and economic growth for Pine Ridge Reservation’s Indigenous artists. As Kyle, South Dakota’s premier arts facility, OLA offers a space where artists of all generations can collaborate and thrive. This initiative, born from a partnership between First Peoples Fund, Artspace, and the Lakota Funds, supports the Oglala Lakota community’s artistic endeavors. Our goal is to amplify Native art nationally and globally, safeguarding and celebrating Oglala Lakota cultural heritage for future generations.