Tinpsinla
(Prairie Turnip)
Habitat Prediction Project

A team of Oglala Lakota College students working with ESIIL Stars
(Environmental Data Science Innovation & Inclusion Lab) created a habitat prediction model for Tinpsinla (Pedioumelum esculentum).
Tinpsinla is a culturally important plant of the Oceti Sakowin
(Seven Council Fires) and tribes surrounding the midwest.
So far, we have created a prediction model map for the Ihanktunwan Makoče (Yankton Sioux Tribe Boundary)

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Story

Tinpsinla is the Lakota name for the plant also known as Pediomelum esculentum. Common English names for tinpsinla include Indian turnip, large Indian breadroot, and breadroot scurfpea. It was an important part of the Lakota diet and provided a valuable source of carbohydrates, proteins, and some minerals. Tinpsinla is used in soups, can be dried and ground into flour to thicken stews, or can be peeled and eaten raw.

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What is Traditional Harvesting?

Traditional harvesting in this context refers to a method of harvesting plants that is rooted in cultural teachings that are passed down from generation to generation. Often, traditional harvesting methods are sustainable and include culturally relavant ways of showing respect when harvesting. We describe one of the traditional methods for harvesting tinpsinla.

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Study Map study

Here is a map of South Dakota. The outlined and highlighted shape is Ihanktunwan Territory (Yankton Reservation).

MAKÓCEOWÁPI (MAP)

We wanted to use earth data science to answer questions regarding the current population status of tinpsinla. To accomplish this, we gathered information from our elders, books, and several agencies/organizations. We used two coding platforms and a mapmaking software to compile a map that would show us where tinpsinla could be found on the Ihanktunwan Makoče.

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Our Team

Below is an introduction to the wonderful people that helped create this project.

Michael DuBray

2023 Oglala Lakota College Graduate

Amber Laundreaux

Sophomore at Oglala Lakota College Information Technology

Summer Dupree

Sophomore at Oglala Lakota College Conservation Biology

Eva Weddell

Senior at Oglala Lakota College Conservation Biology

Camille Griffith

Assistant Professor at Oglala Lakota College, GIS & Remote Sensing ESIIL Advisor

Dana Gehring

Chair of Math, Science, and Technology, Assistant Professor Conservation Biology, & ESIIL Advisor

Elisha Yellow Thunder

Graduate Student - SDSU, Advanced Intern, & Natural Resource Management

LaShell Bagola

Senior at Oglala Lakota College

Trey Phelps

Senior at Oglala Lakota College

Madison Phelps

2023 Oglala Lakota College graduate undergraduate at South Dakota Schools of Mines

Justina White Eyes

Senior at Oglala Lakota College

Acknowledgements

This project is possible thanks to the ESIIL Stars Program, Oglala Lakota College, National Science Foundation, and the entire team.

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