History Revealed Special Program: Dakhóta Iápi
History Revealed Special Program
Dakhóta Iápi (Dakota Language): Its History and Future
with Šišókaduta (Joe Bendickson), Dr. Rev. Clifford Canku Sr. and Heather Menefee
Moderated by Meredith Cummings, RCHS editor
Thursday, March 21, 2024, 7:00 pm
In partnership with the East Side Freedom Library & Roseville Library.
Live presentation on Zoom- Register Here
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. For questions, please email events@rchs.com
Free and open to all.
In 2023, Dakhóta language scholars from the University of Minnesota, with their instructor Šišókaduta (Joe Bendickson), worked with Ramsey County Historical Society to write a brief history of Dakhóta iápi (language) in three parts. The piece begins with an early history of the language following settler colonization and extending through the boarding school era. It continues with a collaborative segment highlighting current language initiatives and the positive effects these have for both the Dakhóta and non-Indigenous communities in establishing themselves in Minnesota history. The article culminates with words of encouragement to Dakhóta language teachers and second-language learners from Dr. Rev. Clifford Canku Sr., one of the few remaining first-language Dakhóta speakers and a holder of traditional knowledge.
Dr. Rev. Canku, Sr., Šišókaduta, and graduate student Heather Menefee will participate in a panel discussion about the history of the language and current language revitalization efforts.
Image: From Ramsey County History magazine.