Wičháho Blihélya - A Podcast in the Lakota Language

Welcome back to Wičháho Blihélya - a podcast in the Lakota language! We are excited to kick off Season 2 with our first episode featuring one of the last fluent Lakota speakers from Wood Mountain (Ȟé-Čháŋ), the only Lakota speaking community in Canada, Hartland Goodtrack. We met Hartland last fall at the Thuswéčha Lakota/Dakota/Nakoda Language Summit in Rapid City.

We are so grateful that he took the time to speak with us and allow us to record him for the podcast. In this episode, he talks about growing up, being raised by his grandparents, and speaking Lakota. However, today he is one of the last living fluent speakers from his community. We can learn from his story to value and cherish the speakers in our communities and to continue working to ensure that our language continues on for generations to come.

This episode features speakers Hartland Goodtrack (Húŋkpapȟa), Robert Two Crow (Oglála), and Alex FireThunder (Oglála). 

Wičháho Blihélya means, “with energetic voices” in Lakota. This podcast is intended to serve four major purposes: language preservation via documentation of the Lakota language as it is spoken by Native speakers and Elders, language revitalization via providing interesting and engaging content for language learners to listen to in low-anxiety environments and for teachers to use in classrooms, language reclamation in finding innovative ways to insert the language into more spaces including digitally on social media, and finally language maintenance by providing Lakota speakers with a talk show to listen to in their first language. This podcast was made possible by the Lakota Language Consortium. We’d also like to thank G. F. Buche Co. for their sponsorship and contribution.

Support the show Follow us on social media: Lakota Language Consortium.

This podcast is a free resource to share the language. If you’d like to support our efforts in providing monetary gifts for the speakers on this podcast, you can donate here - https://lakhota.org/donate/

Thanks to the LLC team that worked on this episode:  Alex FireThunder, Robert Two Crow, Shania Black Bear-Searby, and Jamie Marquez-Bratcher.

A special wóphila to Shania Black Bear-Searby for our amazing podcast artwork and to Talon Ducheneaux at the Oglala Lakota Artspace and Wičháȟpi Olówaŋ Recording Studios for providing the intro and outro music. 

#WichahoBlihelya #LakotaLanguagePodcast #LakotaLanguageConsortium

In this final episode of Season 1, we discuss the memories around Christmas and the various customs that have been introduced to our Lakota people via churches. We also discuss how resilient and innovative our people were to carry traditional Lakota concepts into these practices. For example, the word, “Wóšpipi,” means berrypicking, however the Christmas custom of receiving treats and presents under a tree is also described by this word. Similarly, Santa Clause was assigned the Lakota name, “Wazíya,” who existed in old traditional Lakota tales prior to contact with Christian missionaries.

We’d like to extend our wishes for happy holidays to all and we look forward to delivering Season 2 of Wičháho Blihélya in 2024!

Speakers in this episode include: Wilber Witt (Oglála), Dave “Dawí” American Horse (Oglála), Theresa Mendoza (Oglála), Alvon Little Whiteman (Oglála), Imogene Roy (Oglála), Ben Black Bear Jr. (Sičháŋǧu), Robert Two Crow (Oglála), and Alex FireThunder (Oglála). 

Wičháho Blihélya means, “with energetic voices” in Lakota. This podcast is intended to serve three major purposes: language preservation via documentation of the Lakota language as it is spoken by Native speakers and elders, language revitalization via providing interesting and engaging content for language learners to listen to in low-anxiety environments and for teachers to use in classrooms, and finally language maintenance by providing Lakota speakers with a talk show to listen to in their first language. This podcast was made possible by Hóyeya and The Lakota Language Consortium. 

Support the show

Follow us on social media: Lakota Language Consortium and Hóyeya.

This podcast is a free resource to share the language. If you’d like to support our efforts in providing monetary gifts for the speakers on this podcast you can donate here - https://lakhota.org/donate/

Thanks to the LLC team that worked on this episode: 

Alex FireThunder, Robert Two Crow, Shania Black Bear-Searby, Jamie Marquez-Bratcher, Jan Ullrich, and Marek Kupiec.

A special wóphila to Shania Black Bear-Searby for our amazing podcast artwork.

#WichahoBlihelya #LakotaLanguagePodcast #LakotaLanguageConsortium

As we gear up for the coming winter, many of our families are preparing by gathering foods, preserving, hunting, and stocking up on supplies. In this episode we visit with various speakers about their experiences hunting. From the proud feelings of getting your first kill, to funny mistakes made, and eerie stories of Deer Woman, we get just a glimpse into the life and experiences of a modern Lakota hunter.

Speakers in this episode include: Bill Baylee One Horn (Oglála), Ben Black Bear Jr (Sičháŋǧu), Alex White Plume (Oglála), Wilber Witt (Oglála), Jerry Yellow Hawk (Cheyenne River), Robert Two Crow (Oglála), and Alex FireThunder (Oglála). 

Wičháho Blihélya means, “with energetic voices” in Lakota. This podcast is intended to serve three major purposes: language preservation via documentation of the Lakota language as it is spoken by Native speakers and elders, language revitalization via providing interesting and engaging content for language learners to listen to in low-anxiety environments and for teachers to use in classrooms, and finally language maintenance by providing Lakota speakers with a talk show to listen to in their first language. This podcast was made possible by Hóyeya and the Lakota Language Consortium. 

Support the show Follow us on social media: Lakota Language Consortium and Hóyeya.

This podcast is a free resource to share the language. If you’d like to support our efforts in providing monetary gifts for the speakers on this podcast you can donate here - https://lakhota.org/donate/

Thanks to the LLC team that worked on this episode:  Alex FireThunder, Robert Two Crow, Shania Black Bear-Searby, Jamie Marquez-Bratcher, Jan Ullrich, and Marek Kupiec.

A special wóphila to Shania Black Bear-Searby for our amazing podcast artwork. #WichahoBlihelya #LakotaLanguagePodcast #LakotaLanguageConsortium

It’s mid-october, the temperatures are dropping, the leaves are not only changing but also falling, and many of our children throughout Lakota country are getting excited for Halloween. While this holiday is not a traditional holiday in Lakota culture, we do have some spooky stories that have been told for generations. Some of these stories are part of the ohúŋkakaŋ legends often told to children at bedtime. In this episode, we hear some of these stories as they’re remembered by elders. In these stories are scary creatures or characters such as Íya, Hiŋháŋ Káǧa, Hiŋháŋ Ská and wanáǧi. We also talk about the meaning and symbolism behind some of these stories. We’d like to wish everyone a happy and safe spooky season! 

Speakers in this episode include: Imogene Roy (Oglála), Leola One Feather (Oglála), Ben Black Bear Jr (Sičháŋǧu), Harriet Brings (Oglála), Wilber Witt (Oglála), Robert Two Crow (Oglála), and Alex FireThunder (Oglála). 

This podcast was made possible by Hóyeya and The Lakota Language Consortium. 

Wičháho Blihélya means, “with energetic voices” in Lakota. This podcast is intended to serve three major purposes: language preservation via documentation of the Lakota language as it is spoken by Native speakers and elders, language revitalization via providing interesting and engaging content for language learners to listen to in low-anxiety environments and for teachers to use in classrooms, and finally language maintenance by providing Lakota speakers with a talk show to listen to in their first language. 

This podcast is a free resource to share the language.

Support the show by following us on social media: Lakota Language Consortium and Hóyeya.

 If you’d like to support our efforts in providing monetary gifts for the speakers on this podcast you can donate here - https://lakhota.org/donate/

Thanks to the LLC team that worked on this episode:  Alex FireThunder, Robert Two Crow, Shania Black Bear-Searby, Jamie Marquez-Bratcher, Jan Ullrich, and Marek Kupiec. A special wóphila to Shania Black Bear-Searby for our amazing podcast artwork. #WichahoBlihelya #LakotaLanguagePodcast #LakotaLanguageConsortium

After a busy summer of many types of doings throughout Lakota country, we’re excited to be back with a new episode for the month of September. In this episode, in light of our students returning back to school, we discuss the topic of education. The speakers in this episode related their school experiences to language and tell about a time when certain schools and teachers forbid them from speaking their language. However, we also discuss how these schools have changed and many of them are now teaching the language.

All in all, we’d like to encourage all of the students working hard to earn an education, as well as acknowledge all educators who dedicate their careers to helping the future generations. There is also a plug for the Woksape Tipi - Library and Archives located on the Piya Wiconi Campus at Oglala Lakota College, please feel free to visit them to find Lakota language resources, listen to the raw interviews from this podcast, and speak Lakota with librarian, Darlene Bear Killer. 

Speakers in this episode include: Wilber Witt (Oglála), Eugene Black Crow (Oglála), Harriet Bring (Oglála), Darlene Bear Killer (Oglala), Robert Two Crow (Oglála), and Alex FireThunder (Oglála). 

Wičháho Blihélya means, “with energetic voices” in Lakota. This podcast is intended to serve three major purposes: language preservation via documentation of the Lakota language as it is spoken by Native speakers and elders, language revitalization via providing interesting and engaging content for language learners to listen to in low-anxiety environments and for teachers to use in classrooms, and finally language maintenance by providing Lakota speakers with a talk show to listen to in their first language. This podcast was made possible by Hóyeya and The Lakota Language Consortium. 

Support the show

Follow us on social media: Lakota Language Consortium and Hóyeya

This podcast is a free resource to share the language. If you’d like to support our efforts in providing monetary gifts for the speakers on this podcast you can donate here - https://lakhota.org/donate/

Thanks to the LLC team that worked on this episode: 

Alex FireThunder, Robert Two Crow, Shania Black Bear-Searby, Jamie Marquez-Bratcher, Jan Ullrich, and Marek Kupiec.

A special wóphila to Shania Black Bear-Searby for our amazing podcast artwork.

#WichahoBlihelya #LakotaLanguagePodcast #LakotaLanguageConsortium

This past June of 2023, we held the Lakota Summer Institute (LSI) in our beautiful Ȟesápa in Rapid City, SD. We partnered with Rural America Initiatives to hold two weeks of intensive Lakota language learning and teacher training. Bringing people together who are passionate about learning, teaching, speaking and advocating for the language is always a beautiful experience. This year, we were so fortunate to have a number of fluent speakers and elders amongst us. During one of the sessions, Rick Two Dogs and Ben Black Bear Jr took turns relaying funny jokes and stories in Lakota. In the room you could see learners and teachers together sharing the medicine of laughter. Amidst the busy summer, the co-hosts for Wičháho Blihélya have not been able to meet to record an episode, however, we wanted to share this glimpse into the joke session that occurred at LSI this year.

Speakers in this episode include: Rick Two Dogs (Oglála), Ben Black Bear JR (Sičháŋǧu), and Alex FireThunder (Oglála). 

Wičháho Blihélya means, “with energetic voices” in Lakota. This podcast is intended to serve three major purposes: language preservation via documentation of the Lakota language as it is spoken by Native speakers and elders, language revitalization via providing interesting and engaging content for language learners to listen to in low-anxiety environments and for teachers to use in classrooms, and finally language maintenance by providing Lakota speakers with a talk show to listen to in their first language. This podcast was made possible by Hóyeya and The Lakota Language Consortium. 

Support the show

Follow us on social media: Lakota Language Consortium and Hóyeya

This podcast is a free resource to share the language. If you’d like to support our efforts in providing monetary gifts for the speakers on this podcast you can donate here - https://lakhota.org/donate/

Thanks to the LLC team that worked on this episode: 

Alex FireThunder, Robert Two Crow, Shania Black Bear-Searby, Jamie Marquez-Bratcher, Jan Ullrich, and Marek Kupiec.

A special wóphila to Shania Black Bear-Searby for our amazing podcast artwork.

#WichahoBlihelya #LakotaLanguagePodcast #LakotaLanguageConsortium

As Lakota people, we are all familiar with the sight of beautiful star quilts wrapped around those being honored or draped over a couch or used as curtains in front of windows. In this episode, we visit with various Lakota speakers about their understanding of the history and significance of the star on our quilts. Additionally, some speakers shared stories of receiving their first star quilt, and memories of their mothers quilting. Lastly, we discuss that many students today receive a star quilt at their graduation ceremonies and we wanted to congratulate all of the Classes of 2023 across Lakota country with a Graduation Honoring Song sung by Austin Last Horse.

Speakers in this episode include: Austin Last Horse (Oglála), Imogene Roy (Oglála), Clause Two Elk (Sičháŋǧu), Delmarie Dullknife-Bradfield (Oglála / Šahíyela), Alvon Little Whiteman (Oglála), Andrea Reddest (Oglála), Robert Two Crow (Oglála), and Alex FireThunder (Oglála). We also hear a prayer song sung by Robert Two Crow’s great-granddaughter, Elise Gutierrez (Oglála). 

Wičháho Blihélya means, “with energetic voices” in Lakota. This podcast is intended to serve three major purposes: language preservation via documentation of the Lakota language as it is spoken by Native speakers and elders, language revitalization via providing interesting and engaging content for language learners to listen to in low-anxiety environments and for teachers to use in classrooms, and finally language maintenance by providing Lakota speakers with a talk show to listen to in their first language. This podcast was made possible by Hóyeya and The Lakota Language Consortium.

Support the show

Follow us on social media: Lakota Language Consortium and Hóyeya

This podcast is a free resource to share the language. If you’d like to support our efforts in providing monetary gifts for the speakers on this podcast you can donate here - https://lakhota.org/donate/

Thanks to the LLC team that worked on this episode: 

Alex FireThunder, Robert Two Crow, Shania Black Bear-Searby, Jamie Marquez-Bratcher, Jan Ullrich, and Marek Kupiec.

A special wóphila to Shania Black Bear-Searby for our amazing podcast artwork.

#WichahoBlihelya #LakotaLanguagePodcast #LakotaLanguageConsortium

We can finally say that spring has arrived and it's actually starting to look like it. In this episode we discuss birds, namely the meadowlark who returns in the springtime. We discuss various experiences seeing and hearing these birds speak Lakota, as well as some stories that talk about them as well. We would like to dedicate this episode to the late Kevin Locke who is remembered talking about meadowlarks every spring.

Speakers in this episode include: Florida Young Bull Bear - Jealous Of Him (Oglála), Gerald Yellow Hawk (Cheyenne River), Ben Black Bear Jr (Sičháŋǧu), Clifford Canku (Sisíthuŋwaŋ/Waȟpéthuŋwaŋ Dakhóta), Peter “Pahá” Hill, Robert Two Crow (Oglála), and Alex FireThunder (Oglála). We also hear a song titled, “Meadowlark”, played on the flute by the late Kevin Locke.

Wičháho Blihélya means, “with energetic voices” in Lakota. This podcast is intended to serve three major purposes: language preservation via documentation of the Lakota language as it is spoken by Native speakers and elders, language revitalization via providing interesting and engaging content for language learners to listen to in low-anxiety environments and for teachers to use in classrooms, and finally language maintenance by providing Lakota speakers with a talk show to listen to in their first language. This podcast was made possible by Hóyeya and the Lakota Language Consortium. 

Support the show Follow us on social media: Lakota Language Consortium and Hóyeya

This podcast is a free resource to share the language. If you’d like to support our efforts in providing monetary gifts for the speakers on this podcast you can donate here - https://lakhota.org/donate/

Thanks to the LLC team that worked on this episode:  Alex FireThunder, Robert Two Crow, Shania Black Bear-Searby, Jamie Marquez-Bratcher, Jan Ullrich, and Marek Kupiec.

A special wóphila to Shania Black Bear-Searby for our amazing podcast artwork. #WichahoBlihelya #LakotaLanguagePodcast #LakotaLanguageConsortium

This episode was recorded in hopes that it would be the last time we discuss winter weather until far after the coming summer has passed. We spoke with elders who recalled that winter was the time for storytelling, and how these stories have lessons and teachings attached to them. We also heard true stories and memories of one of the worst blizzards in South Dakota history, the 1949 Blizzard. Akhé pȟeží tȟó uŋkálipi kte. We will walk upon green grass again!

Speakers in this episode include: Harriet Brings (Oglála), Edna Plenty Arrows (Oglála), Dellmarie DullKnife-Bradfield (Oglála), Florida Young Bull Bear (Ogála), Robert Two Crow (Oglála), and Alex FireThunder (Oglála). 

Wičháho Blihélya means, “with energetic voices” in Lakota. This podcast is intended to serve three major purposes: language preservation via documentation of the Lakota language as it is spoken by Native speakers and elders, language revitalization via providing interesting and engaging content for language learners to listen to in low-anxiety environments and for teachers to use in classrooms, and finally language maintenance by providing Lakota speakers with a talk show to listen to in their first language. This podcast was made possible by Hóyeya and The Lakota Language Consortium. 

Support the show Follow us on social media: Lakota Language Consortium and Hóyeya

This podcast is a free resource to share the language. If you’d like to support our efforts in providing monetary gifts for the speakers on this podcast you can donate here - https://lakhota.org/donate/

Thanks to the LLC team that worked on this episode:  Alex FireThunder, Robert Two Crow, Shania Black Bear-Searby, Jamie Marquez-Bratcher, Jan Ullrich, and Marek Kupiec.

A special wóphila to Shania Black Bear-Searby for our amazing podcast artwork.

#WichahoBlihelya #LakotaLanguagePodcast #LakotaLanguageConsortium

Episode two was recorded in light of Valentine’s Day, modernly celebrated by Lakota people and observed as “Čhaŋté Skúya Aŋpétu” or “Sweet Heart Day”. We discuss the history of traditional Lakota courtship, marriage, values as well as discussing love songs such as the wiówešte olówaŋ. This episode features love songs sung by both Melvin Young Bear (Oglála) and Royal Yellow Hawk (Sičháŋǧu). 

Speakers in this episode include: Jerry Yellow Hawk (Cheyenne River), Ben Black Bear (Sičháŋǧu), Theresa Mendoza (Oglála), Clifford Canku (Sisíthuŋwaŋ Dakhóta), Robert Two Crow (Oglála), and Alex FireThunder (Oglála). 

Wičháho Blihélya means, “with energetic voices” in Lakota. This podcast is intended to serve three major purposes: language preservation via documentation of the Lakota language as it is spoken by Native speakers and elders, language revitalization via providing interesting and engaging content for language learners to listen to in low-anxiety environments and for teachers to use in classrooms, and finally language maintenance by providing Lakota speakers with a talk show to listen to in their first language. 

This podcast was made possible by Hóyeya and The Lakota Language Consortium. 

Support the show

Follow us on social media: Lakota Language Consortium and Hóyeya

This podcast is a free resource to share the language. If you’d like to support our efforts in providing monetary gifts for the speakers on this podcast you can donate here - https://lakhota.org/donate/

Thanks to the LLC team that worked on this episode: 

Alex FireThunder, Robert Two Crow, Shania Black Bear-Searby, Jamie Marquez-Bratcher, Jan Ullrich, and Marek Kupiec.

A special wóphila to Shania Black Bear-Searby for our amazing podcast artwork.

#WichahoBlihelya #LakotaLanguagePodcast #LakotaLanguageConsortium