Deep in the roots of Native American culture lies the art of storytelling. Through storytelling, we do much more than share what others may see as tall tales of old. We carry language, culture, knowledge, wisdom, religion, astronomy, art, resilience, strength, and hope through this time-honored tradition of oral history. The Brave Heart Society preserves this precious gift, passed down by millennia of generations, through the Waterlily Storytelling Institute.

Waterlily Storytelling Institute is a two-decade- long tradition carried on by the Kunsis (Grandmothers) of Brave Heart Society. It is a week-long event held annually, before the arrival of spring, where knowledge carriers share the wisdom bestowed upon us by our Ancestors.

Waterlily, at its core, honors a Yankton Sioux legend: Ella Deloria, an educator, anthropologist, ethnographer, linguist, and novelist. Ella held it close to her heart to preserve our culture for future generations through her book Waterlily. In the same spirit, we continue her legacy by sharing this rich culture with generations to come.

This year, in the beautiful month of March, Waterlily was celebrated with people from all over the nation, learning the cultural customs of the Dakota/Lakota/Nakota peoples. Speakers invited to this year’s event included doctors, spiritual leaders, biologists, educators, linguists, and many others. Preserving the history of our people is not confined to the 'classroom' or the 'speaker/student' setting, but also happens at the dinner table, during walks to the store, and in evening visits where we reminisce about what we learned throughout the day.

This event shines as a beacon in the vast darkness of a society lost in consumerism, capitalism, and selfishness. Waterlily teaches social consciousness, emphasizing the value of love and respect for one another through customs passed down from our ancestors. In every way, Waterlily Storytelling Institute challenges the fast-paced, overstimulated culture by slowing down and teaching the old saying: 'We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.'

We encourage everyone, regardless of ethnicity, background, or age, to join us in 2026 for the next Waterlily Storytelling Institute. You can find photos and videos of Waterlily on our social media platforms. Brave Heart Society is grateful for all our attendees, whether it's their first year or their twentieth. We enjoy our time with each and every one of you. Wopida!