Walking Full Circle

The Life of Zintkala Waste, Lakota Elder

Zintkala Waste, a full-blood Lakota, was born in 1943 in a remote community on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Near his first birthday, he developed pneumonia. His mother, knowing he was near death, prayed to God, “Wakan Tanka, if you give me back my son, I will give him to you”. Therefore, Zintkala spent his growing-up years with elders, wisdom-keepers, and healers, who taught him traditional ways, including how to access and trust spirit guides. When he left the reservation and faced devastating hardship, loss, and discrimination, his Lakota values sustained him. This is an account, in Zintkala’s own words, of his remarkable journey from loss and despair to spiritual renewal. Written by his friend Cante, who transcribed the story of his life over a period of 12 years, it is a tale of hope, perseverance, forgiveness, and hard-earned wisdom.

©2021 Christine R Hart (P)2021 Christine R Hart