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For Immediate Release: Oct. 4, 2006
Contact: Martyn Beeny (605) 773-8161, martyn.beeny@state.sd.us
Local history for children in new book from
South DakotaState Historical Society Press
PIERRE, S.D.—Donald F. Montileaux’s bold paintings form the basis for Tatanka and the Lakota People: A Creation Story, the new children’s book from the South Dakota State Historical Society Press.
Presented in both English and Lakota and based on centuries of storytelling, Tatanka and the Lakota People is one part of the Lakota creation legend. It is a story of beginnings, featuring heroes, villains, struggle, and eventual success.
Montileaux originally painted the pictures for an exhibit at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. He used a style that reflected the traditional buffalo-skin paintings of his ancestors. The bold colors and shapes in his work bring the story to life.
Tatanka and the Lakota People is perfect for children of all ages, those interested in American-Indian art and stories, and elementary schoolteachers and students. The translation of the text and the vivid and imaginative paintings help create a book that allows young readers to explore their interest in other cultures. The book includes an introduction, a note from the artist, and a short suggested reading list. Tatanka and the Lakota People is the first of two children’s books from the South Dakota State Historical Society Press this year. The Press plans more books for young readers in the next few years in its effort to offer children and teenagers stories of South Dakota’s varied and exciting past.
Tatanka and the Lakota People: A Creation Story is available for $16.95 (plus shipping and tax) from the South Dakota State Historical Society Press or most bookstores. To order direct, please call (605) 773-6009, email sdshspress@state.sd.us or visit www.sdshspress.com
Tatanka and the Lakota People: A Creation Story
Illustrated by Donald F. Montileaux
Introduction, illustrator’s note, suggested reading list
ISBN 0-9749195-8-6
$16.95 cloth
Published by the South Dakota State Historical Society Press
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The South Dakota State Historical Society is an office of the Department of Tourism and State Development and strives to help the state meet the goals of the 2010 Initiative by enhancing history as a tool for economic development and cultural tourism. The society is headquartered at the South DakotaCulturalHeritageCenter 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.sdhistory.org for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.