WELCOME TO THE HOMEPAGE OF DR. JURGITA SALTANAVIČIŪTĖ

Anthropology is a way of life. As the study of culture, it is a journey that contains excitement and sacrifices; it is never easy. We observe and describe; we are there to witness, not to change. A study of culture is a dedication to one people and a journey towards understanding with them. 

Photo: Gediminas Žilinskas, "Laima"

Featured in Ieva magazine August 2007 issue, "Laima" magazine October 2005 issue

Featured in Istorijos (LNK TV, 2007) and "Stebėtojas" ("Observer") program on Lithuanian Public Radio (2005)

Hosted a historic visit of the Lithuanian pagan metal heroes OBTEST (Osmose Productions) on the Rosebud Reservation on January 22-23, 2007. Full report (in Lithuanian) @ http://www.ferrum.lt

I was born in Vilnius, Lithuania. I am a graduate of Vilnius University. A Fulbright Fellowship paved my way to the United States in 1998 to continue my studies at the University of Wyoming. I received my M.A. in American Studies in 2000. As I entered the doctoral program at the University of Oklahoma, I made my commitment to the study of culture and humanity. Since 2004, I have been working at the Sicangu Oyate, or Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota on Lakota language and culture projects. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am grateful to the people who guided me in my journey and helped me become who I am... My thanks goes to those strong Lakota and Kiowa women who stood by me and gave me friendly and motherly advice... and those Lakota elders who patiently taught me their songs, language, and culture... My professors, Dr. Betty Harris and Dr. Bill Akard, were most supportive in my academic journey... My thanks goes to the Lithuanian community of the USA for their support and belief in me as a young scholar... I am indebted to my Elder Brother Fred for his never-ending support (my prayers will be with you as you go to Iraq)... to the foundations and organizations which funded my research... to Obtest, my heroes, for bringing back Gyvybes medi and Apeigas... finally, to my parents, for everything...