Verna K. Boyd

Topics: Anthropology, Education, Environment, History, Native American, South Dakota, Women

Communities: Garretson

Program Types: Speakers Bureau, Virtual Program(s), Pre-recorded Program Video,

vkboyd.1956@gmail.com | 605-951-3865

Journey Into the Past
I introduce audiences to the First Nations people who made their homes in southeastern South Dakota -Omaha, Ponca, Ioway – and discuss their traditional way of life. Farming techniques and crops are reviewed. Artifacts, sample trade items, replicas of a dog travois, tools and pottery are discussed and exhibited.

Monarch Butterflies in South Dakota
They have an amazing life cycle from egg, through five instars (sizes) of caterpillar, to adult butterflies. Learn why their numbers are declining. Learn why South Dakota native plants are a requirement for their survival. Follow their dramatic generational migration north to South Dakota breeding grounds and then south to their winter ranges.

How Dogs Have Shaped South Dakota Life
Discover how First Nations people traveled and hunted with their dogs. Learn how pioneers relied on their dogs to help them survive. We travel forward from The Great Depression to present day. Farmers, ranchers, hunters and law enforcement rely on various breeds. We discuss how dogs have become an integral part of our state’s history and economy.

Skins, Scales, Jaws and Claws
The life cycles and habits of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals native to South Dakota are examined. Learn about our state’s carnivores, herbivores and omnivores. Their feathers, pelts, skulls, teeth and claws, as well as live animals are discussed and exhibited.