Broken Walls News
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South Dakota 2015
Monday, July 27, 2015
Broken Walls and a team of dancers joined up with Mission Wounded Knee for a tour of South Dakota, 2015. We presented our music and message of restoration and hope in several communities in the State with a focus against the spirit of suicide that plagues our Native communities.
It is our desire to see dignity and self-respect restored, to see value placed on life rather than destruction of life, that families would be restored, and alcoholism and drug abuse become a thing of the past. It is our prayer that God’s destiny for the Great Sioux Nation would be revealed and embraced by these beautiful people.
We were greatly encouraged by the response of the people. Along the journey, Broken Walls was given a beautiful Star Quilt and a white Eagle Feather to welcome us back to this land. We had a large team of 29 dedicated people who were fully engaged in the mission to help us share our message of His love to the people. It was great to have Elder Willie Jock of Akwasasne Mohawk territory with us on this tour.
Our “Dancing Our Prayers” dance team was led by Troy and Kelly Adkins from Virginia. They truly are a special part of the team. Special thanks to Paul Starling and Richard Erb who headed up the sound. We are also very thankful for the dedicated young men who came to help with the multiple set-ups and tear-downs involved in such a large tour. You were very much appreciated.
Our tour started with participating in the 125th anniversary celebrations at Marty, SD. St. Paul’s is a beautiful old cathedral that was built in 1941 by First Nations and non-Native communities working together. Our team of dancers was amazing! It was a very hot day to dance in full regalia.
Our tour also took us to Wagner, Rosebud Reservation, Pine Ridge Reservation , White Clay, and finally to the Hills Alive Music Festival in Rapid City. It has been ten years since a Native American group has performed at this festival and it was our first time there. It was an amazing experience and we hope to be asked back for next year.