Editor’s Note: Recently we asked OSWS member Diane Wilson to share with our readers why she contributes financially to the Society, and she was good enough to send us this dispatch from the road. Diane is not alone. Even though we don’t have membership dues, the Society’s individual donors are mostly our own members and other Native writers. We believe this fact speaks to the effectiveness of the Society’s work. Pilamiye, Diane! Toksa ake.

Han Mitakuyepi,

It has been a great honor to have my novel, The Seed Keeper, selected for the 2023 One Book South Dakota program, following Nick Estes’s book, Our History is the Future. As I wind up the first week of book events, these community conversations have reaffirmed the critically important work of the Oceti Sakowin Writers Society.

There is a widespread lack of understanding about Oceti Sakowin history and culture and the invaluable contributions of Native writers. The #NativeReads book list compiled by OSWS is an extremely important educational resource, especially as South Dakota standards have limited the teaching of Oceti Sakowin history (thank you to fellow OSWS member, Sarah Hernandez, for calling this out in your book, We Are The Stars.)

For more than 30 years, the OSWS has supported Native writers, ensuring that our voices continue to be heard. Sharing these stories actively resists efforts to repress Native history and supports our oral tradition in preserving our culture for future generations.

Please join me in making a donation today! Whatever you can afford will help the OSWS continue to provide essential support to Native writers.

Pidamayaye!

Diane Wilson
Mdewakanton/Sicangu