Lakota Language Teacher Profile: Pauline Wilson

Pauline. Photo by Shawnta' Jones '14. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Lakota Language Teacher Profile: Pauline Wilson

By Shawnta’ Jones '14

Calico blizzard baby Pauline Wilson spoke to me about her life experiences early this morning. So I went ahead and ventured off to find out: who is Pauline Wilson?

In February 1951, a midwife delivered Pauline. She was very poor as a child and was determined to go out and experience life. She met her husband while she was in the Job Corps. Wilson married at 18 years and had her first child at age 20.  By 26 she had three children.

Pauline also lived during the standoff at Wounded Knee. She told me that throughout this time there was a lot of hatred.

“It was an eye opener for all the people,” says Pauline. “Some people I knew and grew up with turned out to be “Goons.” It was divided amongst the people. It was very sad.”

Also, Pauline has spoken the Lakota language since she was a child and was generous enough to bring her teachings to Red Cloud. Pauline loves the respect among the staff and the students. Pauline told me that Red Cloud had a good reputation to work here. Diversity is awesome and she loves that in her life. “I love all the students I’ve come in contact with. They gave me insight into their lives.”

“I love to teach my culture and language, which is so sacred to my life,” enthused Pauline. “I love teaching high school students because of their ability to process more information and they are able to articulate life.”