The Aktá Lakota Museum and Employees Earn “Great Face,” “Great Place.”

The South Dakota Department of Tourism has recognized two employees and programs of the Aktá Lakota Museum and Cultural Center with the two 2024 Great Face designations, as well as a Great Place designation.

Great Faces Greet Akta Lakota Museum Goers

Wanda Bunker, Historical Center Coordinator, has a row of miniature ducks lined up across the frame of her computer. While she certainly has her ducks in a row as Historical Center Coordinator for the museum, the ducks are a whimsical symbol of the extra level of relationship she brings to her role at the front desk of the museum. “They were given to me by Linea’s daughter,” she explains, “but the students drop by on their way home from school and beg me for one.” Come January, Bunker plans to share them with the eager little ones, just an example of the kindness she shares with all who visit the museum.

Linnea Wright, Store Manager, also was honored with the Great Face designation. In her second year in her role, the Museum’s store has achieved greater polish and warmth, in part because of her ability to build relationships with suppliers of excellent and authentic Native goods and in part because of her hospitable and welcoming demeanor.

“Both of these ladies are truly the face of Aktá Lakota Museum and Cultural Center,” said Dixie Thompson, museum Director. “They exemplify hospitality and knowledge for every guest who visits.” This is the sixth straight year an employee of the museum has been recognized with this award.

Great Place Honors the Lakota Culture

The museum itself garnered another South Dakota Great Place Award. The program honors businesses that provide great service and go above and beyond for guests and employees. The recognition makes the Aktá Lakota Museum and Cultural Center eligible for the George S. Mickelson Award to be named at the January 2025 Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

The Aktá Lakota Museum and Cultural Center is an outreach of St. Joseph’s Indian School, located on the east bank of the Missouri River. Its name means “to honor the people” because the museum honors and preserves the rich culture of the Lakota people, the students at St. Joseph’s Indian School and the thousands who visit the museum each year.