Dakota Language and Culture

WDFN Language and Culture Programs

Whitecap Council has identified the need for strong Dakota Language and Culture programming to ensure WDFN children and their families have the opportunity to learn and use the Dakota language as part of their life.

In 2016, WDFN conducted a language assessment in our community. It found that we are at a crucial point where we risk looking the Dakota speakers needed to sustain the language in our community. Below are some initiatives we are currently taking.

Whitecap's Dakota Language Strategy

WDFN Programming Initiatives: Language, Culture & Identity

Charles Red Hawk Elementary School Language Programming

Dakota instruction at Whitecaps elementary school for over 30 years, support by First Nation's own source revenues
Work on integrating language teaching beginning with teaching at Whitecap Early Learning Centre
Development or curricula and resource materials for pre-K to Grade 4 programs (e.g. Childrens book Woyawa Wowapi)

Chief Whitecap School Dakota Language and Culture Class

Introduction in Fall 2021 of a separate one-hour daily Dakota culture and language class for students attending Chief Whitecap School
Led by Dakota knowledge instructors and supported by accredited SPS teacher as supported by WDFN-SPS Education Partnership
Land-based learning curriculum component

University of Minnesota Adult Dakota Language Class

Letter of Agreement signed in 2020 with UMinn American Indian Studies Department to enable Dakota members to take on-line accredited Dakota classes.
Tuition is charged at state residents rate.
Working towards transferral of credentials to Canadian teaching colleges.

Whitecap Dakota Language Gathering

Whitecap has hosted the Annual Dakota Language Gathering since 2018. This year's event will be hosted on May 24-25, 2023 at the Dakota Dunes Hotel. More event details coming soon! Check out the Facebook page for up to date information.

Self-Government: Asserting Our Jurisdiction in Culture and Language

WDFN is nearing completion of a self-government agreement with Canada that will include a Language and Culture Chapter that establishes jurisdiction for the preservation, promotion and enhancement of Dakota language, culture and resources.