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Sharing life with the Lakota Sioux Living and working among the Lakota Sioux in Rosebud, South Dakota, is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to others today. At the end of 2008, Sister Katherine Baltazar completed a three-month experience among the Lakota Sioux in Rosebud, South Dakota. While serving in the government hospital, she learned more about the history of this area, enjoyed the beautiful scenery and wildlife, and made many new friends. “The hospital offers quite comprehensive care, and the staff warmly welcomed me on the Maternity, Pediatric and Medical-Surgical floors. When I told them my specialty area – and that I am a religious – they all spoke of the dire need for psychiatric help,” she says.
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, Sister Katherine was particularly struck by the suicide rate, 12 times higher than the rest of the U.S. It is most evident among the Lakota youth (13-24 year olds). “There seems to be agreement on what some of the underlying problems are: the loss of traditional family values, unemploy- ment, alcohol and drugs, gangs, school drop outs, break-up/loss of a relationship, historical trauma, and loss of ceremonies and spiritual values.” Sister discussed this further with many people, including the tribal liaison to the hospital, the tribal chairman and the elders. She was invited to attend a mandatory tribal suicide prevention training and video session in December with over 100 people from various tribal offices. “What I found effective in the video was that it had recognizable adults and youth from the community, willing to speak out on this difficult and painful subject. Its showing also affirmed a realization that art should be supported as a means of communication, for artists have the gift to communicate on many levels.” In a concluding report requested by the tribal chairman (for publication in the tribal newspaper), Sister Katherine wrote, “What I propose is looking to artists as leaders, who can offer ways through their mediums to open up discussions among the people to find ways of healing and solving their problems...works of art can serve to foster discussions that could begin shifts both emotionally and spiritually…and reinforce the deep pride that stirs the Lakota soul and honors its rich heritage and survival against many odds.” March 1, 2009
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