It is so encouraging and awe-inspiring to look back in history and find people who have dedicated their lives to giving hope, encouragement and renewed life to their peoples. Rosebud Yellow Robe and her father were such people. Rosebud was born February 26, 1907 in Rapid City, South Dakota. She was the eldest daughter of Chief Chauncey Yellow Robe, great nephew of the famous Dakota Sioux leader, Sitting Bull. Throughout her adult life she fought against prejudice. With her ability of showing patience and tolerance she left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Chauncey named his first daughter after the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. The family were registered members of the Sioux Nation. Like her father, Rosebud was an educator and a writer. After her early schooling near her home and attending high school in Rapid City, she became one of the first Native American women at the University of South Dakota, where she received her formal education.

She continued to learn from her father as much about the Lakota traditions as she could. At the age of fifteen, Chauncey Yellow Robe was sent to Pennsylvania to attend Carlisle, the first Indian boarding school. In spite of the school trying to remove all signs and inclinations of his heritage, Chauncey graduated in 1895 with honors and helped his people with cultural differences and difficulties. Chauncey later represented the North American Indians at the Congress of Nations at the opening of the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. He entered government service after graduating. It was very important to Chauncey to pass on the heritage of his people and Rosebud continued this same desire and dedication for the rest of her life.

While at the University, Rosebud took part in productions and presentations about Native American dances. She would dance in her traditional regalia and did so with reverence, so strongly that the audiences loved it. Her grace and beauty were truly admired. Rosebud's goal was to dispel the common misconception of the image of the Native American. In the early 1930's, Rosebud took her mission further by becoming an educator of children. With her teachings, storytelling and writing she was able to instill in children a revealing insight into Native American culture.

Taking the position of Director of the Jones Beach Indian Village , in Long Island, New York, she was able to further teach children with games, crafts, songs, and of course her storytelling. She wore traditional Lakota clothing when teaching and performing for the children. Rosebud worked at the Village form 1930 to 1950.

Rosebud also worked at the CBS radio station during the 1930s, writing and reading her stories on the air. During the same period, Orson Welles also worked at the station. Many believe that is how he got the idea to use 'Rosebud' as the last word of the dying Citizen Kane. She also appeared often on NBC children's programs during the 1950s. She had her first book published in 1969, "Album of the American Indian", depicting the daily lives of seven different Indian tribes prior to European contact. Her second book, of Native American folk tales for children was titled "Tonweya and the Eagles". It was based on the stories told to her and her sisters by their father. She was a very talented woman of diversity and thousands benefited from her knowledge and desire to teach truth. She devoted her life to this endeavor and had a special place in the hearts of children and adults everywhere. She had the strength and courage to accept people for who they were and to praise their achievements and honor their differences.

A life size portrait of Rosebud was done in oils in 1984 and placed in the W. H. Over Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota. She received tribute and an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from the University of South Dakota for her ability to cross bridges and cultures and provide a more accurate understanding of the Native American. A scholarship was established in her name in 1993 and 1994 at the University of South Dakota. The Rosebud Yellow Robe Society was also established at the same time.

Rosebud's first husband, Arthur Seymour, a journalist, died in 1949. Their marriage was one of mutual support and inspiration. In 1951, she married photographer Alfred A. Frantz who also supported and encouraged her goals. Rosebud died October 5, 1992. Her strong spirit inspires people even today. Her remarkable devotion and dedication to children and loyalty to the cultures of Native Americans left us a legacy of honor. She is still an inspiration to those wishing to seek truth, learn of their heritage and develope pride in their lineage and people.


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