Tiwahe (Family) Nesting

We are working toward a time when Dakota families and communities again have intergenerational fluency – can sing, talk and laugh together in Dakota. A time when they are healthy and sustainable, grounded in Dakota culture and history, and connected to each other through tiospaye (kinship). One of the components of language learning is to integrate language and life ways revitalization into the family. This method is about healing families – language being a vehicle for renewing of kinship and life ways. Families committed to language and life-long learning are supported through language and family gatherings, a nurturing and safe environment for language learning, and a neutral circle, not defined by tribal or political boundaries but one defined by kinship. Our ancestors tell us that to be a good Dakota is to be a good relative. Dakota Wicohan believes that the renewing of family is key to healing our communities. Mitakuye Owasin – We are all related.