Lakota concerns addressed at DAR

GRINNELL — Grinnell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution enjoyed a presentation by Sharon Falck, of Grinnell, during their July meeting.

Falck, a retired home economics teacher, is a member of the local Grinnell quilt guild. For the past 11 years she has had a special relationship with the Lakota people through the Dakota Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Falck supports Lakota quilters by donating used sewing machines which she has had serviced and repaired. She has donated 81 sewing machines and three sergers in the time she has worked with the Lakota.

To show their appreciation, the Lakota gave Falck quilts, including a Morning Star quilt.

The Morning Star is an important figure in Lakota ceremonies and represents the direction from which spirits travel to earth. It is a link between the living and the dead thus symbolizing immortality.

During the ceremony in which a quilt is gifted to a person, the quilt is draped over one’s shoulders.

Falck discussed the many issues facing Native Americans, including stereotypes, that the Indian schools attempted to erase native culture, the numerous missing Native American women and Bureau of Indian Affairs regulations which are harmful to the Native American populations, such as allowing marijuana to be grown on reservations which could be genocide for a population which has addictive personalities.

Falck recommended the book “The Land Is Not Empty“ by Sarah Augustine to further explore these issues.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War.

Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join.

The Grinnell Chapter is named after Josiah B. Grinnell, the founder of the city of Grinnell. Members come from Grinnell, Newton, Montezuma and surrounding communities.

For information about membership in DAR, contact Nancy Bender, registrar, 641-236-7065. Members are available to help you prove your lineage to a Revolutionary War patriot.