In this episode of Stories of Lakota Elders, Cecelia Fire Thunder shares her journey into urban Indian life through the federal Relocation Program, which brought her from her homelands to Los Angeles.
Cecelia reflects on what it meant to be a young Lakota woman navigating a new and unfamiliar world—finding her way in the city, building community, and holding onto her identity in a place that wasn’t always welcoming.
She speaks about the mentors, relatives, and Native leaders who shaped her path, and how those relationships helped lay the foundation for one of the first Native-run clinics in Los Angeles—creating a space for care, connection, and belonging.
Through her story, Cecelia reminds us that wherever our people go, we carry our spirit, our values, and our responsibility to care for one another.
Stories of Lakota Elders
In Stories of Lakota Elders, a podcast presented by Maȟpíya Lúta, Cecelia Fire Thunder—Oglala Lakota nurse, educator, and the first woman to serve as president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe—shares powerful reflections on her life, leadership, and the values that shaped her path. With wisdom and humor, she speaks about her dedication to Native health, education, and self-determination, offering listeners a moving glimpse into the strength and spirit of Lakota women.