Explore Lakota Plant Knowledge with Elder Richard Sherman
Join us for a meaningful morning of learning and connection with Lakota ethnobotanist and elder Richard T. Sherman. Raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation, home to the Oglala Lakota Oyáte (nation), Richard brings a lifetime of experience in traditional subsistence practices and a deep knowledge of the native plants of the Northern Plains. His work blends Indigenous teachings with Western science and has helped shape wildlife and land stewardship in Native communities for decades.
What to Expect
The workshop starts at 9:00 AM at The Journey Museum with a short presentation introducing key plants and their roles in Lakota life. Then, at 10:00 AM, we’ll connect at Founders Park for a guided walk where Richard will help participants identify and better understand these important plants in their natural setting.
What to Bring
Wear clothes and shoes suited for light hiking. Don’t forget sunscreen, water, and anything else you need to stay comfortable outdoors.
Why It Matters
This is more than a nature walk—it’s a chance to see the world through the eyes of a Lakota elder who has spent his life living in relationship with the land. You’ll come away with new knowledge, a deeper appreciation for local plants, and a better understanding of Indigenous ecological wisdom.
Reserve Your Spot
Members - $25 | Non-Members - $30
Spaces are limited for this unique opportunity, so call (605)394-6923 today and save a spot!
More About Richard Sherman
Richard T. Sherman is a Lakota elder from Kyle, South Dakota. He has practiced subsistence hunting and gathering for over six decades. His philosophy of wildlife and use of native plants stem from the traditional education he learned while listening to his Lakota elders, and from western scientific methodologies. He studied wildlife management at Utah State University and graduated with a Masters in Regional Planning from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Richard established the first comprehensive fish and wildlife code for the Oglala Sioux Tribe and in 1985 he introduced the Indigenous Stewardship Model as an alternative to western natural resource management.
Currently, Richard conducts guided ethnobotany tours and day hikes in Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, and the Black Hills National Forest. We are excited to welcome Richard as he shares his knowledge with us at The Journey Museum.