Education Department
Tokáta Waúŋspewičakiya Kiŋ Él Ékičituŋwaŋ (Spotlight on Future Educators)
The Education Department of Sinte Gleska University has chosen Wilma Thin Elk-Janis to be honored as the first student featured in the Spotlight on Future Educators. Wilma Thin Elk-Janis, the daughter of the late Jess Thin Elk and Mabel Yellow Eagle-Thin Elk, was born at home on the county line of present-day Todd and Mellette Counties. When she was a young girl, she would spend a lot of time in the summer with her grandfather and grandmother, at the present-day Bad Nation community, while her father looked for work. When her father finally got a job to help build the railroad, her family would move from town to town depending on where they were working on the railroad. They ended up in Midland, SD, after the railroad was finished. Her parents bought a house and they lived there for a few years. When the Tribe (Reservation) started giving out Transitional homes they moved back to the Horse Creek community where she currently resides. Her home sits next to the foundation of her childhood home under a huge cotton wood that her father planted many years ago. In her adult years, Wilma worked many jobs, and at times multiple jobs, to support her family. She worked for the White River School District and eventually moved on to work at the Department of Social Services, where she retired after 20 years. She is currently working for Sinte Gleska University as a GED Tutor helping students obtain their GED’s and at White Eagle Academy as a Lakota Language Instructor. Wilma is filled with knowledge and wisdom that she so willing shares, especially with the children with whom she works. Her humbleness, ability to help others without judgement, and selflessly giving her time whenever and wherever needed, along with her strong cultural background create the fiber of her being. Wilma, in her senior year, has nearly completed her Bachelor of Science degree in K-8 Elementary Education with a concentrated area of study in Early Childhood education. Wilma exemplifies what it means to be a non-traditional student balancing her family responsibilities, her jobs and her education. As mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Wilma puts her family first, but her classwork is never far behind. With all the duties required of her work and her family, she always has her homework completed in an exceptional manner and when it is due. She is a supporting and strong role model. Wilma Thin Elk-Janis embodies the attributes of a non-traditional, tribal college student. Though her journey has taken a little longer than others, she walks the path with grace and humility. The qualities that she carries are of those that we all strive to have, and these attributes are why Wilma Thin Elk-Janis was selected as the first student to be featured on Spotlight on Future Teachers.
