Iápi Wakán: Sacred Language

Oswald McKay shares stories and lessons in English and his first-language, Dakota. He shares the pride of his first-language with listeners. 

DECOLONIZING AND PROMOTING OUR OČÉTI ŠAKÓWĮ LIFEWAYS attention is devoted to promoting settler ways of living that highlight colonialist ideals. In hindsight, we are attracting, promoting, and internalizing traumatic dehumanizing discourse that impacts our nagi (spirit) furthering harm to our cultural and linguistic autonomy. Decolonization is often unpleasant, contradictory and questions our beliefs and experiences. Our language is foundational to our well-being as Dakota, Nakota and Lakota people. It is our protection and provides guidance but first we must allow ourselves to think “wakán ič’ina - deem oneself sacred” as intended ̨́ by our Creator-Great Spirit. This presentation is meant to identify common sense approaches through language that will allow change and revelation, embarking on a personal decolonization discourse. By looking inward, we begin to define and make connections to our Očéti Šakówį lifeways, and further the dialogue for ourselves.

DECOLONIZING AND PROMOTING OUR OČÉTI ŠAKÓWĮ LIFEWAYS attention is devoted to promoting settler ways of living that highlight colonialist ideals. In hindsight, we are attracting, promoting, and internalizing traumatic dehumanizing discourse that impacts our nagi (spirit) furthering harm to our cultural and linguistic autonomy. Decolonization is often unpleasant, contradictory and questions our beliefs and experiences. Our language is foundational to our well-being as Dakota, Nakota and Lakota people. It is our protection and provides guidance but first we must allow ourselves to think “wakán ič’ina - deem oneself sacred” as intended ̨́ by our Creator-Great Spirit. This presentation is meant to identify common sense approaches through language that will allow change and revelation, embarking on a personal decolonization discourse. By looking inward, we begin to define and make connections to our Očéti Šakówį lifeways, and further the dialogue for ourselves.

A one-on-one interview between Amanda Leader and Harold Blacksmith. In it, Harold shares stories of his life, the lessons he has been taught and intends to carry onto others. Blacksmith also shares the importance language has in his own and his community’s lives, and future generations. 

Jim will share knowledge, stories and information that he collected throughout his life journey and experiences.

Jim will share knowledge, stories and information that he collected throughout his life journey and experiences.

A recording of a speech given by Harold Blacksmith in both English and his first language, Dakota. He shares stories of his life, the lessons he has been taught and intends to carry onto others. Blacksmith also shares the importance language has in his own and his community’s lives, and future generations. 

Champion dancer, politician and pow-wow MC, Tommy Christian from Poplar MT is well respected in all three areas. Tommy has remained grounded, humble, and gained vast amounts of knowledge from teachings of the elders. He will share his knowledge and guidance on how he prepares mentally, physically, and spiritually for dancing and how that translates into preparing for life.

My name is Shayna McArthur - Wagíya Wakán Wįya. I am a Nakoda from the Whitebear First Nation. I am currently in the BEd Indigenous Education Program at the First Nations University of Canada. I have been raised in the Nakoda traditions and life ways, and I am a language learner of the Nakoda language.

Matthew Spencer B.A., B.Ed.  is a community historian and language instructor from Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation.  He is currently living in Regina and studying ways to improve Nakoda language retention for learners of all ages.