Many of us struggle to know, remember or record our own histories let alone the history of another.
But understanding someone’s life and story connects us in ways we might never imagine. It provides context for actions, beliefs, and values, which can strengthen bonds and foster trust, whether the relationships are personal, professional, or even societal.
All of the above are reasons Flandreau Santee Sioux Founder’s Day Event organizer Marilyn Allen hopes you will consider attending this week’s event, tribal member or not.
This Wednesday, April 24, the program hosted by Royal River Casino and Hotel, is designed to celebrate the founding of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. It will begin with a welcome from the Executive Council, a prayer led by Pastor Jon Burshiem from First Presbyterian Church and a prayer led by Trustee Jon Schrader.
The evening will also feature the Wakpa Ipaksan Singers, an honoring of FSST’s eldest Elder, an introduction of children in our tribal community (lineals and non-tribal members included) ages 0-9, and open mic opportunities so that community members can share history of the tribe and stories of community members.

A bit of history on the event itself — Allen started the event a few years ago to better immerse tribal youth in their own culture and to expand their leadership skills. The children initially prepared and served a meal to tribal elders to work on their etiquette and public relations skills.
The success of that first year spurred additional workshops and learning opportunities for tribal youth, and a request from family and Tribal Council that she help create an event to commemorate the establishment of the tribe.
The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe was officially established and recognized by the U.S Government on April 24th, 1936.
Below, in her own words, is why Allen is passionate about growing the event, and why she hopes everyone across the broader Flandreau and Moody County community will consider attending:
“I want community members, tribal and non-tribal, and non-native people to come together and learn about our history. Why are we here? How did we get here? What families do we come from? Who were the leaders of our community? I want to step away from the idea of just the establishment of the Tribe under the U.S. government’s Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 and showcase that we have always been a Tribe, regardless of the title,” said Allen.
“We are more than just a political group that was established by the U.S. constitution; we are brilliant, resilient, and powerful, and we will continue to thrive amongst our peers in western society.
I’ve invited everybody, so y’all better come,” said Allen.
Every event that the Dakota language and education department has hosted is always a fun time and it always makes me happy when members of the community outside of the tribe come to be a part of these moments, because it truly shows that our community appreciates us and wants to be a part of what we do, whether that is learning our history and culture, building relationships, or just simply wanting to share prayers or a meal.
I often think that people get tied up in the differences of religion and spirituality and are ignorant to the fact that when you have friends from multiple cultures, you just have that many more people praying over you and protecting you whether that is through all the relations of tunkasida or under the grace of the Lord. All in all, we are one, and that’s what makes us “Flandreau Strong”.