Richard Twiss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Twiss - Taoyate Obnajin "He Stands with His People"
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| Born | June 11, 1954 Rosebud Indian Reservation, South Dakota
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| Died | February 9, 2013 (aged 58) |
| Occupation | Educator, Author |
| Spouse(s) | Katherine Twiss |
| Parent(s) | Winona LaPointe and Franklin Twiss |
Richard Twiss (June 11, 1954 – February 9, 2013) was an important Native American educator and author. He was a member of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate tribe. He helped start and was the President of an organization called Wiconi International. The name "Wiconi" means "life" in the Lakota language.
Richard Twiss had a special goal. He wanted to help people from different backgrounds understand and respect each other. He especially worked to build bridges between Native American and First Nations people and others.
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Who Was Richard Twiss?
Richard Twiss was born on June 11, 1954, in South Dakota. His father, Franklin "Buster" Twiss, was a member of the Pine Ridge Oglala Lakota tribe. He was also a veteran of the Army.
Richard's mother, Winona LaPointe, was from the Sicangu Lakota people. She grew up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Norris, South Dakota. She went to the St. Francis Indian Mission School.
Early Life and Activism
In 1972, when he was young, Richard Twiss took part in a protest. This protest involved occupying the Bureau of Indian Affairs Building in Washington, D.C. It was a way to bring attention to Native American rights.
Later, Richard Twiss became a Christian minister, a writer, and a public speaker. He married his wife, Katherine, in 1976. They had four sons together. Since 1981, his family lived in Vancouver, Washington.
Education and Work
Richard Twiss was a founding member of NAIITS. This group is an Indigenous Learning Community that helps people learn about Native cultures. He also served on the board of the Christian Community Development Association. This organization helps communities grow and improve.
In 2011, Richard Twiss earned a special degree. He got a doctorate in Inter-Cultural Studies. This means he deeply studied different cultures, religions, and the history of Christian missions.
Passing Away
On February 6, 2013, Richard Twiss had a serious heart attack. He passed away on February 9, 2013, at the age of 58. His wife and sons were with him. He was buried next to his father at Black Hills National Cemetery.
What Did Richard Twiss Write?
Richard Twiss wrote several important works. These books shared his ideas about faith and culture.
- Dancing Our Prayers
- Culture, Christ, & Kingdom Study Guide
