Memorial For Hermis And Earl Tall
Donation protected
The Wahacanka Yapi Tiospaye are planning a Memorial dinner and Giveaway for brothers--Earl Sean Tall 24, died July 10, 2016, and three-time world Indian Horse Relay Champion Hermis Janis Tall who passed away shortly after his record setting third straight win in Sheridan, Wyoming on August 25, 2016. He was just 25.
The Indian horse relay racing world lost one of the greatest riders in history in Hermis who made his journey on Aug. 25, 2016 on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. His passing continues to be felt by our family, his teammates, competitors, and sponsors alike.
Upon hearing of Hermis' death, the Professional Indian Horse Racing Association stated, “Family by definition are those who are direct genetic relationship with you. We do not believe that's the extent of the definition of family. True family shares a common set of values, beliefs and traditions. We are a family here and share in the sorrow when one of our family is no longer with us.”
His untimely death just weeks after his victory came as a shock not only to the Oglala Lakota Tribe but for his many fans across all of Indian Country and the Indian Horse Racing Circuit as well. Sadly, his death came just over one month after his sibling Earl Sean Tall, age 24 made his journey to the Spirit World on July 10, 2016 in Manderson, SD.
These two wonderful young men fostered horsemanship and taught numerous boys and girls to ride horses in the community they resided in. Manderson, SD --which has the highest rate of youth suicide here on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Alcohol and drug addiction among teens is also rampant in this and other communities within the Reservation that suffers from staggering rates of unemployment that range between 80-90% over several generations. Living in isolation in communities that live in abject poverty have extremely negative consequences on the youth.
Despite the deplorable statistics, these two young fathers each had a great love for riding and both grew up on the back of the many horses they trained. You could always find them riding on any given day with small boys and girls where they lived in any season--Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall.
They each participated in endurance races too, adding their heart, prayers, and spirits on important memorial rides in commemoration of the great heroes of our Lakota people. The Tall family is sponsoring a loving Memorial for them both at the same time this August and for this Grandfather it would bring me a profound sense of joy and closure to be able to unveil a Gravestone as a lasting memorial to my Grandchildren that rest along side each other in the Wahacanka Yapi family cemetary. Thanks ahead of time to our many friends that have supported us in our dedicated work on behalf of the youth here on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Your contribution to this humble campaign to purchase a couple Headstones is greatly appreciated.
With Abiding Respect and Affections,
Inila-Wakan Janis
The Indian horse relay racing world lost one of the greatest riders in history in Hermis who made his journey on Aug. 25, 2016 on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. His passing continues to be felt by our family, his teammates, competitors, and sponsors alike.Upon hearing of Hermis' death, the Professional Indian Horse Racing Association stated, “Family by definition are those who are direct genetic relationship with you. We do not believe that's the extent of the definition of family. True family shares a common set of values, beliefs and traditions. We are a family here and share in the sorrow when one of our family is no longer with us.”His untimely death just weeks after his victory came as a shock not only to the Oglala Lakota Tribe but for his many fans across all of Indian Country and the Indian Horse Racing Circuit as well. Sadly, his death came just over one month after his sibling Earl Sean Tall, age 24 made his journey to the Spirit World on July 10, 2016 in Manderson, SD.These two wonderful young men fostered horsemanship and taught numerous boys and girls to ride horses in the community they resided in. Manderson, SD --which has the highest rate of youth suicide here on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Alcohol and drug addiction among teens is also rampant in this and other communities within the Reservation that suffers from staggering rates of unemployment that range between 80-90% over several generations. Living in isolation in communities that live in abject poverty have extremely negative consequences on the youth.
Despite the deplorable statistics, these two young fathers each had a great love for riding and both grew up on the back of the many horses they trained. You could always find them riding on any given day with small boys and girls where they lived in any season--Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall.
They each participated in endurance races too, adding their heart, prayers, and spirits on important memorial rides in commemoration of the great heroes of our Lakota people. The Tall family is sponsoring a loving Memorial for them both at the same time this August and for this Grandfather it would bring me a profound sense of joy and closure to be able to unveil a Gravestone as a lasting memorial to my Grandchildren that rest along side each other in the Wahacanka Yapi family cemetary. Thanks ahead of time to our many friends that have supported us in our dedicated work on behalf of the youth here on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Your contribution to this humble campaign to purchase a couple Headstones is greatly appreciated.
With Abiding Respect and Affections,
Inila-Wakan Janis
Organizer
Keith Janis
Organizer
Kyle, SD