Dignity stands tall in South Dakota in honor of all Native Americans. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

Out in the middle of nowhere stands one of the most exquisite works of art. Her name is Dignity.

“Standing at a crossroads, Dignity echoes the interaction of earth, sky, and people. She brings to light the beauty and promise of the indigenous peoples and cultures that still thrive on this land. My intent is to have the sculpture stand as an enduring symbol of our shared belief that all here are sacred, and in a sacred place,” is the inscription from sculptor Dale Lamphere.

On a hill above the Missouri River near Chamberlain, S.D., is this incredible tribute to the Indians of South Dakota who were the first to roam this land. Who called this area home before the white man pushed them onto reservations.

South Dakota is home to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and Yankton Sioux Tribe.

“Lamphere used three Native American models, ages 14, 29 and 55, to perfect the face of Dignity,” according to TravelSouthDakota.com. “She wears a garment patterned after a traditional two-hide dress of the 1850s. One of the statue’s most striking features is her outstretched star quilt — a symbol of respect, honor and admiration in Native American culture.”

Information at the site says, “The star quilt, an important symbol among Lakota, Nakota and Dakota peoples, is made of 128 diamonds, each 4-foot long and painted in the colors of the sky and water that surround Dignity. At night, internal LED lighting shines through perforated stainless steel and illuminates the beadwork on her dress and leggings.”

I wish I would have seen her at night.

The back side of Dignity resembles a quilt, only this is made of steel. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

At 50-feet tall and weighing 12.5 tons of stainless steel, structural engineers were part of the project to ensure she did not topple over. The design allows the wind and sun to move through her.

“As I developed the design, foremost in my mind was the dignity and long history of indigenous people in this land. I wanted to encourage visitors to understand the deep culture and world view of the first peoples,” Lamphere says in a statement memorialized at the site. “Women have always been a stabilizing and renewing force. This is celebrated here, specifically honoring the Lakota, Nakota and Dakota women who continue to be a strong and guiding influence for the families and communities of the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires). My greatest hope is that Dignity will inspire present and future generations to see the strength of tradition that still exists in indigenous cultures throughout our nation and encourage all of us to embrace out similarities and celebrate our differences.”

Dignity was installed in 2016. Norm and Eunabel McKie of Rapid City, S.D., donated the $1 million for the statue as a gift to the people of South Dakota. Really, it’s a gift to all of us.

It’s beyond impressive.

A bonus at the site is the visitors center is all about the Lewis and Clark expedition, which was interesting as well. Makes me realize I should revisit that part of history to have a better understanding of their exploration.