Q & A with Roger White Eyes

Roger White Eyes. Photo by Phillip Zimiga '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Q & A with Roger White Eyes

By Phillip Zimiga '13

Roger White Eyes is a teacher here at Red Cloud. He teaches students about Native American culture and history. He teaches Lakota Studies, Lakota Spirituality, Indian Wars, and Lakota Singing.

Q: How many years have you been working at Red Cloud?
Roger: I’ve been working here for 16 years.
Q: Do you like it here at Red Cloud?
Roger: Yes, very much.
Q: Do you think you have had a great impact on your students?
Roger: Yes.  For example, a student comes to mind that I used to teach. He is currently an elementary teacher. (Paul Plume)
Q: Do you like teaching your kids Lakota Studies?
Roger: Yes, because it’s important for kids to learn Lakota history. It is important to learn who you are and where you are from.
 Q: What is your best memory here at Red Cloud and why?
Roger: We were on senior retreat and we were all gathered at Mato Tipila (Devils Tower). We were all gathered up singing a prayer song and all of the seniors started singing the song. It was a really powerful feeling to have these seniors singing all at once.
Q: Why do you like it here at Red Cloud?
Roger: I like it here at Red Cloud because of the students. Also, many of them are my nieces, nephews, relatives and family. I graduated from here and my grandmother did also.
Q: What are some of the classes you teach here?
Roger: Lakota History Culture only for juniors where we cover stories from ehanni stories, Lakota creation and life. Sociology and Psychology classes to seniors. I also teach an Indian Wars class about the wars and battles the the Lakota were involved in. There is Lakota Spirituality-all seniors, and the last is Lakota Singing class/Lakota 4, where I'm teaching students how to sing prayer songs, sundance songs, sweatlodge songs, hand game songs, and basic Lakota songs.
Q: Who is your inspiration?
Roger: The students inspired me to teach. Students who enjoy learning about their history and culture and want to learn more.