Leonard Joseph Yankton

1976 - 2021

Leonard Joseph Yankton was born in Compton, Calif., on Feb. 12, 1976. He spent his childhood on the Pine Ridge Reservation, being raised by his grandmother, Jennie Yankton, in the traditional Lakota culture and spirituality. At the age of 13, Leo began a four-year commitment as a Sundancer and received his sacred pipe. The family moved to Lincoln, Neb., when he was 15 and he spent the rest of his youth there. Although Leo has lived in other places, he always returned to Lincoln. He passed away from throat cancer in Lincoln on Aug. 26, 2021. Leo's life was celebrated at several ceremonies at the Lincoln Indian Center. His spirit was released to the ancestors during a burial ceremony on the farm of John and Charlotte Palmquist, near Stanton.
Leo is survived by his life partner, Susan Alleman; his daughter, Malana Yankton; his chosen mother, Phyllis Stone; his chosen father, John Palmquist; his birth mother, Martha Yankton; his brother, Noah Yankton; chosen sisters and brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and loved ones around the world.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Jennie Yankton.
Leo was a true Native warrior. His life passion was to uplift the Lakota people, both locally and on Reservations, as well as to bring healing to Unci Maka (Grandmother Earth). He organized projects, like the First Friday Native Art Show, to showcase Native American artists' work. He also coordinated a fundraiser to help save the Lincoln Indian Center from shutting down. Leo helped Lincoln recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day. He spent much of his time offering help to those in need. He organized clothing drives for Pine Ridge, delivered wood to the Standing Rock protest camp, raised funds for a van for the Elderly Meals program at Wounded Knee, raised funds for materials to repair the roof of a family member on the Pine Ridge Reservation, as well as many GoFundMe campaigns for so many people. He did most of this work through a 501c3 organization he founded, Intertribal Spiritual Lodges. Leo learned to make tipis from John Palmquist and hoped to start a tipi manufacturing company in White Clay, Neb. He was a social, environmental, and economic Native activist who was frequently called upon to be a public speaker. Leo served on the board of Nebraskans for Peace. A humanitarian, he often gave away what little he had to those who were more in need than he. He was a humble, delightful, endearing, courageous spirit whose example challenged and inspired many to follow the Red Road and support his efforts.
With the help of Dr. Lory Dance, Leo became an international speaker. He traveled to Sweden to discuss the camps at Standing Rock to stop the Dakota Access pipeline. While there, he learned more about indigenous peoples in Scandinavia and the struggles they shared with his own Lakota people. He then did extensive traveling to speak about the challenges faced by indigenous peoples on Turtle Island.
In January 2021, Leo received the Fulfilling the Dream Award from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration for his efforts to break down the stigmatization of indigenous people. In October 2021, he was honored with a posthumous Frank LaMere Peacemaker of the Year Award from the Nebraskans for Peace Annual Peace Conference. We're better people for having known Leo Yankton.
Memorials may be sent to Intertribal Spiritual Lodges at 2441 S. 33rd St., Lincoln, NE 68506. Or plant and tend sage in Leo's honor. Or give away the gloves you are wearing in memory of Leo.