Roselyn Jumping Bull
0
0
Roselyn Jumping Bull
Roselyn Jumping Bull (1932-2015) was born in Oglala, South Dakota, the great-granddaughter of the renowned Lakota holy man Sitting Bull, and was also descended from Nicholas Black Elk. Her Lakota name was Tawapaha Wakanwin (Her Staff is Holy). A fluent Lakota speaker, she was known for her distinctive, high-pitched singing voice together with her knowledge of countless powwow and ceremonial songs. After the occupation of Wounded Knee, Jumping Bull went to work as a Community Health Representative and organized protests against police brutality in Gordon, Nebraska and Calico, South Dakota. Jumping Bull was a life-long supporter of the movement for Native sovereignty, participating in nationwide speaking tours, and advocating for the release of Leonard Peltier from prison.
WK Story:
Jumping Bull experienced the occupation of Wounded Knee as a resident of that area. She supported the occupation, in part, by delivering food and supplies to those inside Wounded Knee. This was a dangerous undertaking as the FBI and U.S. marshals had the area surrounded. At night, Jumping Bull and others traveled into Wounded Knee by foot in order to avoid gunfire.
Just had a dream about her and her family last night. She spoke at length to me and I was wondering about her. I didn’t know she passed 10 years ago. In the early to mid 2000’s I used to send her money and toys for her Christmas toy drive for the children. She would always send me a lovely handwritten card thanking me. She was a lovely and gracious woman that I will cherish the memory of and feel grateful that we had connected … if only for a few years. (And last night) Mitakuye Oyasin 🙏🕊️🪶 ~ Stephanie Simonton, San Juan Island, WA