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Dakota Midday: Cheyenne River Research Symposium

How can research help South Dakota’s tribal communities? That’s the question being addressed this week during a symposium in Eagle Butte. “Researching, Restoring and Rebuilding Our Oyate for a Longer Life” is the theme of the symposium. The event features presentations from researchers from Cheyenne River and beyond. It takes place on Wednesday, March 18 at Oglala Lakota College-Cheyenne River College Center.

The symposium is co-hosted by Missouri Breaks Industries Research, Inc. The organization focuses on Native American health research to help improve healthcare policy within the Native American communities. Missouri Breaks manager Marcia O’Leary and research director Joseph Yracheta joined Dakota Midday and discussed the symposium and the importance of local research.

For more information on the symposium, click here.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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