FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 19, 2016

CONTACT:  Jeff Mammenga, Media Coordinator, (605) 773-6000, jeff.mammenga@state.sd.us

Lakota author’s new book on Sioux women published by State Historical Society

PIERRE, S.D.—Recently released at the 2016 South Dakota Festival of Books, Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve’s “Sioux Women: Traditionally Sacred” is now available to readers.

In the book published by the South Dakota State Historical Society, Sneve combs through the winter counts and oral records of her ancestors to discover the struggles and joys of the women who maintained tribal values as their circumstances changed and other cultures pushed for dominance.

Women are the core of the Sioux “tiospaye” (tee-osh-pa-yay) or extended family, and tribal life. They maintain the values and traditions of Sioux culture, but their own stories and experiences often remain untold. This book is the direct result of the author’s realization that little has been written about Sioux women by Sioux women. Sneve’s storytelling powers further enliven her personal exploration of the roles of Sioux girls and women, making the book a fascinating journey into modern American Indian society.

“‘Sioux Women’ is the first nonfiction, young-adult work that the South Dakota Historical Society Press has published,” says Nancy Tystad Koupal, press director. “It contains important information, accessible for any audience, along with beautiful photographs that depict life as it was and is for Sioux women.”

Driving Hawk Sneve, the daughter of an Episcopal priest and a Lakota Sioux mother, was born and raised on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. A member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, she has authored several books for young adult readers, both fiction and nonfiction. Sneve received her B.S. and M.Ed. degrees from South Dakota State University and taught English in public schools throughout the state and at the Flandreau Indian School. The recipient of the Native American Prose Award and the Spirt of Crazy Horse Award, she is the first South Dakotan to receive the National Humanities Medal.

“Sioux Women: Traditionally Sacred” is available for $16.95, plus shipping and tax. It can be ordered directly from the South Dakota Historical Society Press at www.sdhspress.com or by calling (605) 773-6009. Follow the South Dakota Historical Society Press on Facebook (SDHS Press) and Twitter (@sdhspress) for more information.

Email jennifer.mcintyre@state.sd.us for publicity and author contact information.

-30-

About the South Dakota State Historical Society

The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Education. The State Historical Society, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is headquartered at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The center houses the society’s world-class museum, the archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call (605) 773-3458 or visit www.history.sd.gov for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.