I am Wilmer "Stampede" Mesteth, a traditional leader and educator in the Oglala Lakota Tribe in Pine Ridge South Dakota.  I am an instructor at the Oglala Lakota College teaching Lakota Studies. 

Over the years I have participated and worked with elders and grass root people in our tribe.  Working with the Lakota people is the passion of my life and I attend many internal society events, host gatherings, and represent the Oglala Lakota Tribe in many 1st nation gatherings.  I support many 1st nation tirbes in their endeavors and concerns as well.

I am 51 years old and intending to spend more time in projects that preserve the Lakota traditions and culture.  In 2007 I released "The Lakota are Charging" CD, a collection of historical songs that pertain to the Little Big Horn Battle June 25, 1876.  The CD has a narration of the battle as it unfolded from the Lakota point of view.  My primary now is to preserve our knowledge of traditional medicines we use in healing as well as open up learning of organic gardening, possibilitieds in reverting back to traditional diet, and address the health and well being issues of the people. 

I am involved directly with Maka Si Tomni Productions as the "spiritual director" to ensure that filming that is released publicly is not exploited or violates any of spiritual concerns, societies or elders.  Our intention in Maka Si Tomni Productions is to share openly the deep rooted value and ethics of the Lakota Langauge & Culture, the Lakota Paradigm of being and living in social relations in respect for all life and ways: rocks, stars, plants, animals, people.  The Lakota people are a gentle, humble, yet strong and courageous in spirit, and a humorous society that values family, friends and connection to our world.  The possibility I see is building a bridge between our traditions and children in the world interested in learning about our social viewpoint.

I enjoy watching my culture flourish and being a part of it!