Dakota Language and Culture

WDFN Language and Culture Programs

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

In 2016, Whitecap Dakota Nation conducted a language assessment in our community. It found that we are at a crucial point where we risk losing the Dakota speakers needed to sustain the language in our community.

Below are some initiatives we are currently taking to protect the Dakota Language.

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 the ability to transfer of credentials to Canadian teaching colleges.

Whitecap Dakota Language Gathering

Whitecap has hosted the Annual Dakota Language Gathering since 2018. We host the annual gathering in the Spring. For up to date conference information, follow our Facebook page.

Self-Government: Asserting Our Jurisdiction in Culture and Language

Whitecap Dakota Nation has ratified the Self-Government Agreement with Canada that includes a Language and Culture Chapter that establishes jurisdiction for the preservation, promotion and enhancement of Dakota language, culture and resources.

Wa Pa Ha Ska Booklet

In addition to the above language restoration initiatives, the Wa Pa Ha Ska booklet was developed to inform and educate the students and teachers in the Saskatoon region on the history and culture of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation. This First Nation has been a leader, both provincially and nationally, in its alliances with public and private interests in areas of community development.