Boarding School (Part 1)

In this episode of Stories of Lakota Elders, Cecelia Fire Thunder shares her firsthand experiences as a student at Holy Rosary Mission boarding school. With honesty and reflection, Cecelia speaks to the complexity of boarding school life—the good, the bad, and the painful. She offers a deeply personal account of what it meant to grow up within this system, while reminding us that each boarding school story is different and carries its own truth. Cecelia also reflects on her journey of healing, sharing how understanding childhood trauma and its lasting impacts helped her make meaning of her experiences. Her willingness to speak openly is an act of courage—one that invites listeners into deeper reflection, compassion, and truth. This episode contains discussion of Indian boarding schools and may be difficult for some listeners. Please take care while listening.