Peter Vitus (Zintkala Oyate) Catches

Obituary

Peter V. Catches “Zintkala Oyate” was born on June 16, 1955 at home in the Calico Community, near Pine Ridge, SD to Peter S. Catches and Amelia (Ribsman) Catches. Peter made his journey to the Spirit World at 7:40 pm on 8th, 2018 in his home at Calico Community, Pine Ridge, SD.

Peter is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Catches of Pine Ridge, SD; daughters, Alice Two Bulls of Pine Ridge, SD and Faith Holmes of Washington, D.C.; son, Dov Homes, Jupiter, FL; siblings, Patricia Catches of Pine Ridge, SD, Cynthia W. Catches and Kenneth Catches, both of Calico Community, Pine Ridge, SD; Peta Catches, #4 Community and grandchildren, Maza Steele, Michael Rooks, Luta Rooks and Felicity Rooks.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Amelia (Ribsman) Catches; and siblings, Christine Catches, Myrna Catches, Rayfield Catches and Paul Catches.

Pallbearers will be: Justice Scott, Sheldon Ribsman, Jeff Catches, Peta Catches, Muza Steel, Dietre Catches, Paul Catches Jr., Alfred Catches, Moses Catches, Alex Morgan Sr., Alex Morgan Jr., Gideon Tobacco, Chase Long, CJ Long, Casey Weston, Zavier Long Jr., Leroy Iron Cloud, Mike Amshamble, and Dov Holmes.

Wake Services: Tuesday and Wednesday, June 12 & 13, 2018 at his home at 789 Tobacco Road, Calico Community, Pine Ridge, SD
Funeral Services: Family cemetery above his home at 10:00 am Thursday morning, July 14, 2018 Traditional Lakota Services: Mr. Mike Catches the Enemy Burial Services: Catches Family Cemetery, Calico Community, near Pine Ridge, SD

Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD To send flowers to the family of Peter V. Catches, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Obituary

It is with a sad heart to share with you that Peter Vitus Catches (Zintkala Oyate) took his flight to the Land of the Winds at 7:40 pm on June 8, 2018, at his home on Tobacco Road, Calico Community, outside of Pine Ridge, SD, at the place of his birth, June 16th, 1955.

Zintkala Oyate was beloved by people all over the world for all that he did to preserve the Lakota culture and language during his lifetime. He put on and conducted the Spotted Eagle Sundance for forty-four consecutive years, as well as conducting Sundances at Cheyanne River Reservation, Rosebud Reservation, Standing Rock Reservation and Lower Sioux Reservation— totaling over 50 Sundances. He authored six Lakota Language books and CDs. He created a CD for young people to understand the timeless symbolism of the Seven Sacred Rites given to the Lakota. He co-authored a book with his father ‘Sacred Fireplace’ and authored ‘Realities Within.’ Peter was the co-founder of Oceti Wakan (Sacred Fireplace) a non-profit organization with his father. He developed a Wellness Center for young people and helped develop a seven-year (2nd to 8th grade) Wellness Program based on Lakota culture to give life skills and a strong Lakota identity to young people so that they could make healthy choices to have the life that was intended as wakanjeya (sacred beings). As a 38th generation medicine man, Peter was the Keeper of the Spotted Eagle ways and medicine. He touched hundreds of lives with healing and growth in their spiritual journey.

Wake Services: At his home 789 Tobacco Road, Calico Community, Pine Ridge, SD, Tuesday and Wednesday nights (June 12th and 13th).

Funeral Services: Family cemetery after viewing at home at 10 am, Thursday, June 14th
Traditional Lakota Services will be done by Mike Catches the Enemy.

Sources

• Obituary for Peter V. Catches at Obittree.com, visited Jan. 10, 2019.