FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 25, 2007
CONTACT:  Martyn Beeny, (605) 773-8161, martyn.beeny@state.sd.us

State Historical Society books win national awards from the Independent Publisher

PIERRE, S.D.—The South Dakota State Historical Society has again won national awards for excellence in publishing for two of its books.

The Independent Publisher Book Awards have been announced, and Tatanka and the Lakota People: A Creation Story, and Dakota Flora: A Seasonal Sampler have both received an “IPPY.” This major recognition has been awarded by Independent Publisher each year since 2001. In 2007 there were more than 2,600 entries in 65 categories.

Tatanka and the Lakota People received a Silver Medal in the Multicultural Non-Fiction Juvenile, Teen, and Young Adult category. Dakota Flora received a Bronze Medal in the Mid-West, Best Regional Non-Fiction category.

Tatanka and the Lakota People is beautifully illustrated by Lakota artist Donald F. Montileaux. Presented in Lakota as well as in English, this book describes the Lakotas’ creation, the trickery that caused them to move from the Underworld and their ultimate survival in this world. Its dynamic color illustrations are full of familiar characters, including not only Tatanka, the Holy Man, but also the Great Spirits and Iktomi, the Spider. Together, the words and pictures capture the imagination of children and the interest of adults. The IPPY is the second national award conferred on Tatanka and the Lakota People, which also won a Spur Award from the Western Writers of America.

Eighty-two of South Dakota’s plants are featured in David J. Ode’s Dakota Flora: A Seasonal Sampler. Ode brings each plant to life through folklore, history, cultural significance and its place in South Dakota life.  The full-color photographs accompanying the text create a book catering to lovers of the state’s native flora, casual observers of the plant kingdom, and anyone interested in learning more about South Dakota. The IPPY is the second national award for Dakota Flora, which also won a Best Book Award from USABookNews.com in 2006.

Tatanka and the Lakota People is available for $16.95 plus shipping and tax. Dakota Flora is available for $29.95 plus shipping and tax. Both can be purchased from most bookstores or ordered directly from the SDSHS Press. Call (605) 773-6009 or visit www.sdshspress.com.