Loretta Afraid of Bear Cook (Oglala Lakota, Pine Ridge, South Dakota), endowed with extraordinary memory, curiosity and intelligence, was chosen by her elders to uphold and teach the Seven Sacred Ceremonies to coming generations. Her lifelong leadership in Sun Dance ceremonial cycles and in mentorship among women follow the teachings of her mother, renowned spiritual elder Beatrice Long Visitor Holy Dance, who for fifty+ years guided many Lakota families (tiospaye) in the preservation of their traditional lifeways. Loretta is currently at the forefront of the struggle over the central cultural issue of her people—the resolution of use and ownership of the sacred Black Hills.