Paha ska black hills tours

Paha Sapa is Lakota for "Black Hills."
Paha Ska is Lakota for "White Hills."

Paha Ska is Lakota for White Hills and it is the name that was given to Paha Ska Salway by the son of Black Elk, Ben Black Elk. Paha Ska was born in White Clay and was an Ambassador to Keystone South Dakota for over 50 years. His art and his stories delighted guests visiting the town. Paha Ska Salway's art became well known, as did his acting career and his story telling. I first came to know Paha Ska while visiting Keystone. Long story short=my daughter HATES to be touched. The FIRST time she saw Paha Ska and he held out his hand, my daughter reached out and held his hand!

Being an esteemed elder on the Pine Ridge Reservation was a duty and an honor that Paha Ska did not take lightly and his love of his culture, homeland, family and tradition shone through. His wife of many years, Susan Yellow Bird Woman learned to speak fluent Lakota and also learned the many legends and stories of the Lakota from her husband. She is a fascinating story teller as well. Paha Ska and Susan gave many people their special tours over the years. When Paha Ska Passed away in 2005, Susan began taking people on the tours and even running solo, she fascinated people with the history, legends, stories and historical landmarks both on the reservation and off. Besides that, she is one of the nicest and wittiest people I know.

For an exceptionally unique and fun tour of the Black Hills visit Susan's website: Paha Ska Tours

Many people want to see the usual things while in South Dakota, such as Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument. Susan can show you all of those places but she can also take you hunting for ancient beads on the reservation. She can show you the locations of where and how some of the Lakota Legends came to be.

Susan will tailor the tour to your specifications. There are no preplanned-one size fits all tours with Susan. All of them are fun and fascinating. If you truly want a unique and memorable tour of the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota, I would urge you to contact Susan Salway. As someone who has visited the Black Hills very (and I do mean VERY) often, I vouch for the fact that you won't find a more fun or interesting tour guide anywhere.

Paha Ska Tours

All of the photographs contained in this lens were taken on our trips to the Black Hills. Please, PLEASE if you are going to use the pictures, offer a link back to this lens. Don't end up like my friend Jane (pictured)