Mitakuye OwasinWe are all related
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is part of the Oceti Ṡakowiŋ, or the Seven Council Fires, which include the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota people located throughout the Upper Midwest and Canada.
Before contact with European-Americans, our Dakota ancestors lived in harmony with the land. Guided by the stars and moon, we moved seasonally to hunt, harvest, and plant. These seasonal migrations allowed us to care for our families and communities. We were connected to our homeland, to our traditions, and to each other.
Throughout history, our people have been guided by a set of core values that define how we live within our family, our community, and our world. For each of us, our understanding of these values deepen and change as we age.
These same values also guide our tribal government as it works to protect our sovereignty and provide for the well-being of our members, while also focusing on being a good neighbor, good employer, and good steward of the earth.
Dakotapi Wόecuŋḣaŋ Wakaŋ kiŋ Caŋte EtaŋhaŋOur Dakota Values
We use wócekiya to speak to Wak̇an Ṫaŋka (the Creator). The four medicines (caŋṡaṡa, cedar, sage, and sweetgrass) are sacred and used to give thanks to Wak̇an Ṫaŋka.
Wóohoda is respect for Wakaŋ Taŋka and his creations: taṫe ṫoṗa (the four directions), the sky world above us, plants, animals, birds, water, air, fire, one’s self, family, tioṡpaye (extended family), oṡpaye (tribe), Oceti Ṡakowiŋ (Seven Council Fires of the Dakota Nation), all nations, and Ina/Uŋcí Mak̇a (Mother/Grandmother Earth).
Wówauŋṡidaŋ is a spiritual feeling that comes from the heart. It means to help one another and to care for the well-being of all things or to reach out to those needing help to make life better.
To be a strong nation, one must accept the sacrifice of one’s time through prayer and effort.
Wóksape begins with our elders who teach our newborns and children to understand and recognize family and extended family. Teaching through observation, words, and emotions, their knowledge transcends generations.
Wóokiya is to offer aid and assistance for the betterment of our people, our neighbors, other nations, and all of creation.
To believe and trust in one’s words and actions, to be true to one’s self, to be true to one’s family and others, and sincere in your deeds and all things.