History Break: Dakota Language Program

Join Dacia Lussier, Dakota Language Specialist, for a History Break about Prairie Island’s efforts to revitalize the Dakota language in their community!

Nape-kičhiyuzapi,

Wašiču ia Dacia Lussier emakíayapi, Dakota ia Oyáte aš’a win emakiyapi ye. Oyáte mitháwa kiŋ Bdéwakaŋtunwaŋ k’a Wakpekute ewíčhakiyapi. Tiŋta Wita oyaŋke hečhiya taŋhaŋ wahi.

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Greetings,

My name is Dacia Lussier, my Dakota name is Oyate as’a win which means the Nation shouts at woman. My people are the Bdéwakaŋtunwaŋ and Wakpekute. I am from the Prairie Island community.

The Dakota language is flourishing. The assimilation policies of Native American boarding schools and United States government and the ensuing decades had nearly eradicated our distinctive and sacred language, as American influence encroached upon our ancestral lands. Nevertheless, we have persevered, and I am delighted to announce that the Dakota language is now thriving throughout all Oceti Sakowin communities, owing to the tireless efforts of language warriors who have committed themselves to learning and preserving it.