Andrew Frank Fools Crow & Upward Bound

In the summer of 1970 revered and highly respected traditional Oglala Sioux Teton chief, civic leader, and healer, Andrew Frank Fools Crow (circa 1890-1989) visited the University of South Dakota (USD) and met with students in the Upward Bound program.

The purpose of the Upward Bound Program, started in 1966 at USD under the Institute of Indian Studies, was to prepare students from reservations in South Dakota for enrollment and success in universities. At that time, the director of was Wayne Evans raised with Lakota ways and language. Students spent eight weeks in the summer at the university studying academic and cultural programs. They were also tutored and encouraged to participate in conferences and powwows. An article in the June 15, 1971, Volante Summer News gives more details about the program.

The image below depicts Fools Crow, dressed in full regalia, sitting on the lawn under a tree near Old Main talking to four students. Fools Crow spoke in Lakota and his grandson Everette Lone Hill, sitting by his side, translated for the students. According to the July 16, 1970, Vermillion Plain Talk article, Fools Crow talked about the Wiwanyankwacipi, the Sun Dance, Inipi, the Sweat Bath, and the Vision Quest and the peace pipe. Fools Crow promoted Lakota culture, legacy, identity, and language locally and nationally. His role as a mediator allowed him to negotiate a truce following the Wounded Knee occupation in 1973, and refusal of Federal monetary reparations for the Black Hills in 1980.

Chief Frank Fools Crow talking to Upward Bound students with his grandson acting as interpreter. USD Archives and Special Collections. Negatives, Series 10 # 10423.6_1.

An iconic photograph shows a rare portrait of Fools Crow. Not only was Fools Crow’s presence at USD celebrated in newspaper articles, KUSD TV videotaped the encounter. Moreover, two books describe Fools Crow’s colorful life and spiritual philosophy. A 1974 interview with Fools Crow is at Oral History Center. Although the interview is in Lakota, it is transcribed into English.

Chief Frank Fools Crow. USD Archives and Special Collections. Negatives, Series 10 # 10423.2_2.

Thus, these images contribute to the legacy of the USD Upward Bound and the successful efforts for mentors and counselors to help students achieve their goals. After 58 years, Upward Bound still exists and thrives under the TRIO program.