Near Chamberlain in Brule County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Artist Statement
| | Dignity of Earth and Sky | |
Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, August 16, 2025
1. Artist Statement Marker
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.
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 wil 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.
Dale Claude Lamphere, Sculptor Tom Trople - Lead Fabricator Andrew Roltgen - Lead Welder Brook Loobey - Painter Grant Standard - Welder
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Arts, Letters, Music • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 43° 47.188′ N, 99° 20.385′ W. Marker is near Chamberlain, South Dakota, in Brule County. It can be reached from Interstate 90 north of East King Street, on the right when
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in East River. It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Construction (a few steps from this marker); Lewis & Clark Memorial Bridge at Chamberlain (within shouting distance of this marker); Purple Heart Memorial Highway (within shouting distance of this marker); Sojourn at Camp Pleasant (within shouting distance of this marker); Language, Contributions, Regional Tribes (about 400 feet away); Lewis and Clark Bicentennial 1804-2004 (about 400 feet away); Dignity (about 400 feet away); Missouri River Bridges of South Dakota (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chamberlain.
Other markers no longer nearby. Mount Rushmore National Memorial (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); World's Only Corn Palace - Mitchell (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); State Capitol - Pierre (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); The Making & Meaning of Dignity (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, August 16, 2025
2. Dignity of Earth and Sky sculpture
This plate is to the right of the Dignity of Earth and Sky plaque on the base of the sculpture.
Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, August 16, 2025
3. Base of Sculpture
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2025, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 38 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 1, 2025, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
