
Victor Douville, Sinte Gleska University
Selecting a Keeper of the Winter Count
The keeper (traditionally a man) of the winter count is the historian for the community. Elders gather and consult with the keeper to select the most important event of the year (first snow to first snow.)
The keeper then draws an image on the winter count to represent the event. The images on the winter count are used as a reminder/aid to help the keeper remember the events. The keeper (oral historian for the tiospaye) then explains the events in detail. The keeper is responsible for providing an oral account of the images drawn. The image on the left, was drawn by the winter count keeper Rosebud, drawn in 1880-1881. The image depicts when children were first sent to school.
Victor Douville, Sinte Gleska University, explains how an event is/was selected for a winter count.

Victor Douville, Sinte Gleska University
How an event is/was Selected for a Winter Count
Related Video
SDPB
Native American Winter Counts (PreK - Elementary) Learn about Native American winter counts in South Dakota and complete an interesting activity. This video is part of Activity Starters, which is an animated video series. In each episode an animated character introduces a concept and an activity.
Scott Simpson & Dancin' Moon Studio
Winter Count (Waniyetu Wowapi) A song written and performed by Scott Simpson, inspired by the Winter Counts of the Oceti Sakowin Oyate and those Elders who are the keepers of the things that must always be remembered.
- Lakota Star Knowledge
- Smithsonian Education - Winter Counts
Educational Resources and Additional Comments from Victor Douville
- Waniyetu Wowapi: Winter Count (PowerPoint Show)
- Evolution of Wajaje-Cokatowela Shirts (PowerPoint Show)

Victor Douville, Sinte Gleska University
The Importance of the Winter Counts

Victor Douville, Sinte Gleska University
The Different Types of Winter Counts
Educational Resources and Additional Information
Winter Count which Includes Image of the Treaty of Fort Laramie
- Blog (Image Right - Battiste Good (Sicangu Lakota))
PBS LearningMedia
Wolakota
- Picturing Our Lives: Artistic Expression For Our Community
- Winter Count Language Arts and Social Studies Lesson
State Historical Society South Dakota
- Buffalo and the Plains Indians (SD State Historical Society Educational Kit)
- State Historical Society North Dakota - High Dog's Winter Count
The Smithsonian
- Lone Dogs Winter Count Guide
- Teacher Guide
- Lakota Winter Count: Online Exhibit (archived)
UNL: Winter Counts as Possible Precursors to Writing