A Sacred Gathering
The Sun Dance belongs to the Lakota people and their leadership. We came as invited guests and supporters — not spectators, not tourists. Our single standard on the grounds was humility: keep it quiet, keep a small footprint, and let the dancers and the ceremony be the focus.
The Gathering
Who, what & why
A ceremony of prayer & sacrifice
The Sun Dance is among the most sacred ceremonies of the Lakota people — days of prayer, fasting, and sacrifice offered for the well-being of all our relatives. It is led entirely by the chief and elders; we follow their direction in everything.
July 22–26, 2026
Tree Day is July 22; the dancing days run July 23–26, and a giveaway and feast close the ceremony. Days run hot, nights run cold — this is high prairie in midsummer.
Allen, South Dakota
On the Pine Ridge Reservation in south-central South Dakota — open prairie, remote, and quiet. Cell coverage is thin to none near the grounds.
Under Chief Jaylen Garnett & the elders
The ceremony is held under Sun Dance Chief Jaylen Garnett and the elders, who hold final authority on all matters. We attend in support of our relatives and the Zinktala Wakan Hoyapi.
To stand with our relatives
We are there to serve and to honor a commitment — to support the dancers, strengthen the relationship, and stand with our relatives in humility and respect. Not to be seen.
What Support Looked Like
Wópila — we give thanks
Support was given in kind — gifts for the giveaway and feast, and the supplies that sustained the camp. The 2026 ceremony has concluded, and we are grateful to everyone who helped carry it. Standing with our relatives does not end with the ceremony; the work continues year-round.
Star quilt & tobacco
Gifts for the chief and dancers, given with respect. Tobacco and prayer ties as requested.
Food for the feast
Contributions toward the giveaway and feast that close the ceremony — confirmed in advance with the chief.
Travel & supplies
Water, fuel, ice, and the everyday support that keeps a low-profile camp self-sufficient on the grounds.
If You Attend
Conduct on the grounds
These are not negotiable. They protect the ceremony, the dancers, and our standing as guests.
- 01No photography of the ceremony. Cameras and phones stay away.
- 02No alcohol or drugs anywhere on the grounds. Zero tolerance.
- 03Modest, plain dress in earth tones. Muted gear only.
- 04Follow the chief and elders without question or debate.
- 05Keep a small footprint — no loud gear, no sprawl, leave no trace.
Our Relatives & Resources
Walk the Red Road, arrive ready
Two ways to stand closer to this gathering — the organization it supports, and a way to come prepared.
Zintkala Wakan Hoyapi
Voice of the Sacred Bird
The grassroots Lakota spiritual organization on the Pine Ridge Reservation that this gathering stands with. Their stories, their people, and the way of the Red Road.
Visit the site →Wakíŋyaŋ Wóuŋspe
Thunder Being’s Teachings
A free Lakota language learning app — walk the Red Road of Lakȟótiyapi and arrive at Sundance ready to participate meaningfully. Eight modules of conversational Lakota.
Open the app →Reach Out
Send word
The 2026 ceremony has concluded. If you'd like to offer prayers, ask about supporting our relatives, or walk with us next season, reach out and we'll coordinate with care.