Capturing the Written Language

Original materials—from time when Dakota language fluency was at its height—will be digitized for inclusion within Minnesota Reflections, http://reflections.mndigital.org/index.php a digitalization project of the Minnesota Digital Library.  This partnership was created with the Presbytery Synod of Lakes and Praries, Dakota Wicohan and the Minnesota Digital Library.  Dakota Wicohan will use the materials as educational curriculum, first as a pilot project in which teacher apprentices will practice utilizing the materials while teaching during both the summer youth programs and during the academic year in self-selected community venues (language tables, after-school programming, etc).

The value for the greater community is immeasurable, however several Dakota elders who have been consulted for this project, have already indicated the possibilities of conducting genealogy research and identifying places and names in their familial records. This is especially important as Dakota thought and action is based upon kinship terms and values. This project is essential to the renewing of kinship, re-establishing relatives and increasing Dakota identity.

The first materials completed from the collection was the Sunkawakan Wicayuhapi book, which served as a teaching tool to the Sunktanka program, integrating horse language during the horse riding activities.

Materials will continually be added to our website, as well as the Minnesota Reflections website.  You can download the Sunkawakan Wicayuhapi original book and its translations below (translations completed are made possible through Dakota Wicohan and partners):

Dakota Oiye Uŋ Wówapi k’a Tókedked Eyapi

(Dakota Letters Used for Writing and How to Say Them)