Anne Dilenschneider

Topics: Anti-racism, Communication, Discussion Leader, Environment, History, Native American, South Dakota, Women

Community: Sioux Falls

Program Types: Book Club to Go, One Book South Dakota, Speakers Bureau, Virtual Program(s)

dradilenschneider@gmail.com | 605-906-5404

Healing Our Shared Past, Present, and Future: The Hiawatha Indian Insane Asylum (This presentation is offered with Jerry Fogg)
From 1902-1933, Native Americans who angered boarding school staff or reservation agents were sent to the Canton, SD asylum. The place was “like a leper colony” and “inhumane.” 127 Native Americans from 53 tribes remain buried there. As Keepers of the Canton Native Asylum Story, we share this story as a way to heal our past.

Going Out Green: 21st Century Natural Burial Options in South Dakota
(This presentation is offered with Mt. Pleasant Sexton, Matt Gage)
“Green,” or natural, burial conserves natural resources and preserves wildlife habitat. It’s more environmentally sensitive than cremation, and costs significantly less than other burial practices. 418 cemeteries offer natural burial options in the United States. One is Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Sioux Falls. This presentation focuses on the American history of natural burial since the 1700s, as well as information on options for an environmentally sound burial.

The Story of a Pioneer – Anna Howard Shaw & Women’s Suffrage
For decades, Rev. Dr. Anna Howard Shaw – leader of the National Woman Suffrage Association, first woman ordained in the Methodist Church (1880), medical doctor, and head of the first children’s immunization program in America – was missing from the Encyclopedia Britannica. The Story of a Pioneer tells about living in the Michigan wilderness, college in the mid-1800s, and leading the effort for women’s right to vote.

Restoring Our Relationships and Communities: The Power of Forgiveness
We are told to apologize when we hurt someone. However, apologies are not the same as the process of forgiveness. Apologies don’t restore relationships; asking forgiveness does. Truth & Reconciliation Commissions across the world teach us this is how we repair and rebuild our families, communities, and countries. This presentation draws on their wisdom and explores the power of the process of true forgiveness.