Brinks family are honorary Lakota

LaPorte visitor explores his Lakota, French roots

The Brinks family of LaPorte are honorary members of the Provost clan of the Oglala Lakota tribe. They were given this distinction after hosting the clan's 1994 "Tiyospaye Rendezvous" (family reunion) at the Brinks farm, which was purchased by Jean Baptiste Provost in the 1860s.

In the proclamation honoring the Brinks family, the clan noted that Rose Brinks' research on the Bingham Hill Cemetery helped many of the clan discover their "true heritage."

The clan also bestowed Native American names on the couple. Jim Brinks is called Down to Earth Man, while Rose Brinks is named Holy Winged Horse Woman.