Maȟpíya Lúta Senior Balances Cheer, Culture, and Advocacy
This week, Maȟpíya Lúta senior Bernadine Garnier will take the floor at the South Dakota State Class A Basketball Tournament as a cheerleader, representing her school with the same pride, determination, and heart that has marked her journey throughout high school. As a cheerleader for Maȟpíya Lúta Owayawa, Bernadine has been a consistent source of energy and encouragement for her peers. But her leadership stretches far beyond the sidelines.
Bernadine holds two prestigious titles: Miss Maȟpíya Lúta 2023-2024 and Miss Teca Wacipi Okolakiciye 2024-2025. In these roles, she has served as a cultural ambassador and youth representative, embracing her responsibilities with grace and courage.
“Being a former Miss Maȟpíya Lúta and now Miss Teca Wacipi Okolakiciye meant that I learned how to be a leader,” Bernadine shared. “I learned responsibility, bravery, and also striving to be a good representative of my Lakota people. I hope to inspire others through my leadership by showing them how to live life with respect, bravery, honor, courage, and perseverance—by leading through example.”
Her leadership was on full display at the 2024 Lakota Nation Invitational, where she represented MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) during Friday night’s Grand Entry. Wearing the red handprint symbolizing the MMIW crisis, Bernadine brought powerful awareness to an issue close to her heart.
“Representing MMIW at Friday night’s Grand Entry meant people saw the red handprint,” she explained. “That creates curiosity, and when people start asking questions, they learn how many Native people are murdered or go missing. My hope is that bringing attention to this issue brings change and greater awareness for our women and our people.”
While Bernadine excels as a leader and advocate, she’s also an accomplished dancer. Just a couple weeks ago, she placed first in the 9-12 Fancy category at the Crazy Horse Wačhípi. Her passion for dance, regalia-making, and beadwork is not just an art form—it’s a connection to her ancestors and her community.
“Placing at powwows shows the hard work I put in outside of school, practicing songs and dances,” Bernadine said. “I make most of my dresses, shawls, and beadwork. Creating regalia helps me stay connected to my culture because I’m carrying on the traditions of quillwork and beading that my ancestors once did.”
As she prepares for graduation this spring, Bernadine already has her next steps mapped out. She plans to pursue a pre-nursing degree, with the goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse, where she hopes to support Native women and families through her work. And no matter where life takes her, she plans to remain deeply connected to Lakota culture—dancing at powwows, participating in ceremonial rides, and joining in sundances and other community traditions.
“My advocacy for MMIW and being Lakota will continue by living in my language and culture,” Bernadine said. “I’ll keep dancing, sewing regalia, riding horses, and helping women in the career I’ve chosen.”
This week, as Bernadine and her cheer squad take the floor at state, she won’t just be representing Maȟpíya Lúta—she’ll be carrying her people, culture, and a future full of hope right along with her.