“Through the processes of decolonization, I’m embracing myself, my culture, and my history. I’m grateful to my ancestors, honor their struggles, and will always give back to my community!”

Goes In Center is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe. She was raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Her parents are Eva and Nathaniel Witt and we belong to the "Lip’s (Pute) Camp Tiospaye" (Wamblee SD).

Goes In Center served eight years of active duty in the U.S. Army from 1974 to 1982, specializing in communications and intelligence. After being honorably discharged Goes In Center was a stay-at-home mother and military wife for about 15 years.

Due to a high interest in her Lakota heritage Goes In Center began to research her Lakota history, language, herbology, and to participate in community service such as presentations for her daughter’s classrooms, community gatherings, and military specialty convenings. To supplement her income and develop utilizable resources, Goes In Center accumulated several traditional recipes from friends and family members to publish her first book. 

Eventually Goes In Center came home and attended college at Oglala Lakota College. In 2003, Goes In Center received a bachelor degree in human services and a minor in counseling.

"I am a proud ina of four daughters and proud unci of 3 beautiful takojas: a granddaughter, and 2 grandsons." ("Ina" means mother, and "unci" means grandmother.)

I am very thankful and grateful to have this opportunity and appreciate the support from my friends and family.

Mitakuye oyas’in. Wopila. Pilamayapi.