Sacred To Many People is pleased to spread the news: Karen Red Star was featured in a full-page profile in the March 10-16, 2010 NATIVE SUN NEWS !!! The article, by Lil Wit, is an indepth look at one of the Nurses our funds help with supplies and with the Walking Club. "Born at home and delivered by her Unci (grandmother), Katie Fools Crow, Karen grew up speaking Lakota at home and learned English at school. She earned a BS in Human Services from OLC in 1989 and graduated from the Science and Leadership Symposium for Women with Heart Disease at the Mayo Clinic in 2003." She also has a certificate in Physical Fitness and teaches chair exercises for the elderly. "I love my job. I like working with the people. I can converse with the Elders who speak Lakota. I understand."
In 1996, she started working for the Oglala Sioux Tribe as a Health Educator. Every Monday from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. she is on KILI Radio and talks about health. She helps everyone understand the importance of paying attention, not only to their own health but that of those around them. Her straight, no-nonsense, way of speaking especially helps young women comprehend the importantce of respecting themselves and their bodies.
In 1973, just as the American Indian Movement gaining national notice, Karen was shot in Hays, Montana. Her shoulder was injured enough that doctors recommended amputation of her arm. Luckily, that was avoided, and because of Karen's willingness to work hard, she has full use of her arm today. The bullet, however, is still lodged near her heart. In 1979, Karen underwent open heart surgery successfully.
She says that "Life is a journey and you can make your journey however you want it. I want mine to be a good journey, a healthy journey and a spiritual journey. I greet each and everyday, I give thanks everyday and I pray all the time for good health." To this end, she worked with Mary Mousseau to start a walking club called Wiconi Un Mani Pi (Walking for a Healthier Life). "We finished on February 19, 2010," she says. "Mary and Karen completed a training in Rapid City that was sponsored by the American Association of Indian Physicians and while there developed a proposal to get a $1,000 grant which they used to help pay for their walking club activities." Nike contributed some walking shoes and Sacred To Many People was able to provide water for some of the days.
We look forward to working with Mary and Karen when the next Walking Club starts and are appreciative of the attitude of Wellness they bring to community life. Karen says what we all feel: "Pila Maya Pi."