The longest day marks a return to prayer and purpose
At 8:42 p.m. MT on Friday, June 20, the sun reached its northern peak — marking the longest day of the year and ushering in the Lakota Sun Dance season. The word solstice comes from Latin for “sun standing still.”
Why the Sun Dance matters
Wiwáŋyaŋg Wačípi — the Lakota Sun Dance — sits at the heart of the ceremonial year. Through prayer, fasting, and sacrifice, dancers seek blessings for The People, Buffalo, land, and water alike. At dawn, a cottonwood Tree of Life is raised to bridge earth and sky, reminding us that renewal is always a collective act.
Many of our team members and rancher partners step away from their corrals to enter the arbor this month.
Their prayers for healthy calves, resilient grass, and vibrant communities mirror the day-to-day work we share: returning Buffalo to Native lands, lives, and economies. As they dance, they carry every one of us—and every Buffalo we help move home—into the circle of renewal.
Standing still with them
We invite you to pause with us as the sun stands still—whether that means lighting a candle, watching the sunset, or simply offering a thought of gratitude for the dancers. Together, we face the season ahead with revived purpose.
Wóphila tȟáŋka — many thanks to the dancers, supporters, and families holding this ceremony. May your vows be fulfilled, your spirits strengthened, and your visions guide us all through the summer and beyond.
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