Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci Shines Bright at the 2023 Lakota Language Bowl!!
Students of Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci participate in the 2023 Lakota Language Bowl
The Lakota Language bowl has been hosted at the Lakota Nation Invitational for over twenty years and it’s purpose is so much more than just a competition. As Lakota, we believe it is through our language that we carry the ability to connect to our ancestors and all that was created. There are stories, teachings, and deep rooted history in our language that can sometimes only be understood when the language is spoken. The Lakota language is what carries our identity and our traditions forward from generation to generation. It will never be lost. It is through initiatives like Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci that keep our Lakota language alive and thriving.
The students celebrating after participating in the Lakota Language Bowl
The students of Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci are back in the classroom this week reflecting on their participation and accomplishments at the recent Lakota Language Bowl during the 2023 Lakota Nation Invitational (LNI). Beyond the awards they brought home, this is a celebration of the dedication and commitment of two different generations who are learning the Lakota language alongside one another. In order for the kids to learn and speak in the language, the parents have gone above and beyond in learning alongside their children. The preparation to compete in this event was a collaborative effort led by the families of the students, who played an instrumental role in supporting the students' success. None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the parents working together outside of school hours to prepare.
Students of WKT during the Lakota Language Bowl
Although the results were outstanding, with our K-2 teams securing the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places while our 3-5 division gained 1st and 3rd, what stood out most to the students' educators was the growth in the Wakanyejas’ confidence. Through this event, their classroom educators witnessed remarkable growth as students stepped out of their comfort zones, particularly in public speaking and enacting traditional skits in Lakota, such as butchering a buffalo and setting up a tipi.
The educators and leadership team at the Lakota immersion school observed key takeaways from this event. Family engagement emerged as a standout element, showcasing the impact of their support and time invested. Participation in this year's Lakota Language Bowl has also reiterated to the staff of Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci the importance of finding new avenues for language expression both outside of the school classroom and in non-competitive settings. It’s apparent that the students now seek opportunities to freely express themselves in the Lakota language in new ways.
When we speak of success and triumph within the framework of our Lakota language, it involves dedicating time, resources, and effort to nurture a generation that is strong in their identity and stands proud of all that it means to be Lakota. Establishing secure Lakota-centric environments for the Wakanyeja to learn and make mistakes, alongside the guidance of their Aunties, Uncles, Grandmas, and Grandpas, are the basis of their success. These mentors/relatives serve as both educators and embodiments of the school's community-based approach. Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci stands committed to empowering our youth to revitalize our Lakota language through the next generation.
Wopila to our local sponsors who helped make it possible for our students to participate in the 2023 Lakota Language Bowl.
Congratulations to our students, their families, and the educators of Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci!
