I had the opportunity to listen to many interviews conducted for the American Heritage Center’s Wyoming Voices Project. It’s an oral history project, which means it is a collection and study of historical events and information using recordings of interviews done with individuals with personal knowledge of the past.

These interviews included individuals from all walks of life, people born in Wyoming or people who moved to Wyoming, people who were doctors, lawyers, business owners, teachers, and many other professions. All the individuals interviewed shared amazing stories from their lives and how Wyoming is a special place. All were interesting in their own way, but one interview stood out to me. This was the interview completed with Donovin Sprague, a member of the Miniconjou of Lakota tribe.

Sprague was born on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in 1953, in Dupree, South Dakota. His great-great-great-grandfather was Chief Hump and, as he explains, “That name was originally Canku Wakatya in Lakota, which translates to High Backbone, further translated, they said that’s the buffalo hump.” Sprague devoted a large amount of time to learning his family history and the history of the Lakota tribes.

Sprague graduated from Dupree High School in 1971, and he began working in construction, ranching, and jobs that were around the reservation. He received his undergraduate degree from Black Hills State University and his master’s degree from the University of South Dakota. Sprague is now a historian at Sheridan College in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Being in a college setting and having a strong knowledge of Native American history allows Sprague the opportunity to initiate and support American Indian studies and societies. Sprague began two chapters of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society called AISES, one at Black Hill State University and another at Iowa University. Sprague is also a musician, stating: “Music is a big part of my life, it’s as big as anything.” Sprague owns multiple outlets for vinyl records across South Dakota and in Gillette Wyoming.

During the oral history with Sprague, he was asked about the best aspect of being Native American. Sprague responded, “The best thing about Native American or American Indian is just the uniqueness of one kind of people of the First Nation, what are the first people here, and knowing that on the land of separate characteristics…” The Lakota think of well-being, or medicine, as a wheel that consists of bravery, generosity, respect, and wisdom. If an individual is ill, it is important to look at those four values.

In the South Dakota penitentiary, around 60% or more of the population is native. When Sprague has provided talks at the penitentiary, the prisoners “just clung to me, like for the historical and this family genealogy type stuff.” Sprague’s knowledge allows others to connect with their history and know who they are, “I know where I come from and it’s in my heart and it gives me that strength.”

Sprague has a strong connection to his past and a vast knowledge of Native American history that he shares with others. His interview shed light on many topics that I had no previous knowledge of and allowed me to learn the life story of an individual who has a strong presence in his own right. Learning the different stories of people around Wyoming allows me to have a deeper appreciation for the rich history and cultures that make up the state.

Interviews that are part of the Wyoming Voices project will be available in 2025.

Post contributed by former AHC intern and University of Wyoming student Adrianne Blum.