We at Sitting Bull College are very honored to have received this beautiful canvas print portrait of Tom Red Bird, Isna Wicha Itowapi, from local photographer from Shane Balkowitsch, who took the wet plate portrait. Tom Red Bird was a beloved Lakota elder and advocate for teaching the Lakota language. This gorgeous frame created by Justin Time Wood Design, is made from barnwood, cedar and açai-it is proudly displayed in the SBC Family Support Center, which also houses our Wahó?pi kin Nest. Mr. Red Bird grew up fluently speaking Lakota and made it his life’s mission to sharing it with his students. Lala Tom was a grandfather figure for the children of the Lakota Language Immersion Nest, Lakholiyapi Wahó?pi ki?. Lala Tom had once shared his vision of his hopes for Standing Rock and Cheyenne River, in which he says, “My vision is to have an immersion school in every community on both reservations.” This serves as testament to his passion for the Lakota language and belief that our young children carry the future of the Lakota culture so it’s important that we continue to help his vision grow. Thank you Tom Red Bird and family for sharing your knowledge of the Lakota language and way of life. And Thank you to Shane Balkowitch, Justin Time Wood Design and the Wahó?pi Kin Nest!