RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA — As a gesture of appreciation for his years of dedicated work in the field of journalism, friends and family of Editor/Publisher Tim Giago gathered on Sunday, May 1 at Prairie Edge in downtown Rapid City.
Giago recently retired as editor from Native Sun News and will move on to his latest venture, helping people of all races in South Dakota get along in a spirit of reconciliation and unity.
Among those attending the gathering were Native Sun News Staff members Kirk Dickerson, Charice Abernathy, Jason Wolters, Jackie Giago, Erick Long Wolf, Timmy Giago, Earl Hicks, Ernestine Chasing Hawk and their families.
Other guests in attendance included Mayoral candidate and city council member Sam Kooiker, city council member Deb Hadcock, Prairie Edge general manager Dan Tribby and Chaplain of Rapid City Regional Hospital Susan Kains.
Del Iron Cloud, editorial cartoonist unveiled a caricature of Giago which he sketched just for the occasion, which triggered a bit of laughter from all in attendance. The caricature depicts Giago riding a horse lugging a camera over his shoulder with his saddle bags full of awards, and lecture schedules. Tim is waving goodbye with a pencil tucked behind his ear following a sign that states, “Ride this way into the sunset.”
Chasing Hawk read a tribute to Giago from Lakota artisan Mitchell Zephier titled “Tim Giago: The warrior that never surrendered.”
“You stand tall as a man who created a legacy of employment, enlightenment and empowerment for the Lakota Oyate as well as mentored numerous Native People. In a time when many Lakota were discriminated against by white employers, you practiced true racial reconciliation by hiring and mentoring non-Natives as well,” Zephier wrote.
Giago was presented with gifts including; 6 Waterford Crystal glasses, a jar of plum syrup, a gift card from Olive Garden and an Oglala Lakota flag bolo from Lakota Jewelry Visions.
Giago will retire from the news room, but the 76 year old Oglala Lakota has many more ventures on his plate, so he won’t be sitting around at home.
He has started the Unity South Dakota Foundation in partnership with Chiesman Center for Democracy. Some of the board members for the foundation include; John Usera, Jim Scull, Randy Ross, Laurette Pourier, Dave Melmer, Dan Tribby and Deb Hancock.
“We will be organizing community meetings across the state and bringing Indians and non-Indians together instead of moving backwards,” he said.
Giago is moving into his new office in Rapid City and can be reached at (605) 718-1878.
(Contact Ernestine Chasing Hawk at managingeditor@nsweekly.com)
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