Arvol Looking Horse facts for kids
Arvol Looking Horse was born in 1954. He is a Lakota Native American spiritual leader. He is known as the 19th keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe and Bundle. This is a very important role in his culture. He is also a strong voice against projects like the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).
Contents
His Life and Important Work
Growing Up and Becoming a Leader
Arvol Looking Horse was born in 1954 on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota. His family was deeply connected to Lakota traditions and spirituality. He learned to speak the Lakota first, before learning English.
His family has a special duty: they are the keepers of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe. Lakota stories say this sacred pipe was given to the Oceti Sakowin people by the White Buffalo Calf Woman. When Arvol Looking Horse was just twelve years old, he became the Keeper of this pipe. This made him a ceremonial leader for the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Peoples. He is the 19th person in his family line to hold this important role. He was the youngest person in 400 years to be given this responsibility. His grandmother told him that if the world did not get better during his lifetime, he might be the last keeper. He saw how his people's spiritual traditions were suppressed at a government boarding school. This made him want to work for religious freedom and to protect his culture.
Arvol Looking Horse used to be a professional rodeo rider. He had a serious accident where a horse fell on him. He was badly injured and doctors thought he might not walk again. But over time, he slowly regained his ability to walk.
Remembering History with the Big Foot Memorial Ride
Since 1986, Arvol Looking Horse has led the Big Foot Memorial Ride. This ride follows the path of Chief Big Foot and his group. They were killed in the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. The ride happens every year from December 15 to 29. The cold winter weather helps the riders understand the hardships Chief Big Foot's group faced. In 1990, Looking Horse also held a ceremony called "Mending The Sacred Hoop." This was for the families who survived the Wounded Knee Massacre.
Working for Peace and the Environment
Arvol Looking Horse has spoken out about important issues. He has given prayers and speeches to support action against climate change. He also spoke against projects like the Dakota Access Pipeline. He has shared his message at the UN General Assembly and at events like the March for Science in Washington, D.C..
There is a prophecy that says the "Seventh Generation" of Native Americans will help restore their communities. Because of this, tribal elders and the Seven Council Fires supported the International Indigenous Youth Council. Arvol Looking Horse gave the young people involved in the Dakota Access Pipeline protests a sacred pipe. They were officially recognized as "warriors for the people," known as akicita.
In 1994, a rare white buffalo calf was born. This was seen as a very special event. Looking Horse traveled to many sacred places to perform a Four Direction ceremony for the calf. To celebrate this birth, he created World Peace and Prayer Day in 1996. This day encourages people of all faiths to work for world peace and environmentalism. Ceremonies for World Peace Day were held in different places around the world. In 2005, it was suggested to the UN to make the day an official "Honoring Sacred Sites Day." To help keep the ceremony going, Looking Horse and other elders formed the Wolakota Foundation. This group helps promote the spiritual traditions of Indigenous peoples.
In 2003, Arvol Looking Horse made a statement. He said that non-Native people would not be allowed to attend Lakota ceremonies. This was because some people were misusing or copying Native American spiritual practices.
Awards and Recognition
Arvol Looking Horse has received several awards for his work. In 1996, he received The Wolf Award from Canada. This award is given to people who work for peace. In 2006, he received The United Nations Juliet Hollister Temple of Understanding Award. The city of New Orleans honored him in 1996 by declaring August 27 "Day of the White Bison." The mayor also gave him the key to the city. In 2017, he received a humanitarian award from the Malibu Guitar Festival.
Family Life
Arvol Looking Horse's son, Cody Looking Horse, is part of the Standing Rock Youth Council. He was also involved in the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Cody's mother is Professor Dawn Martin-Hill.
