Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i Enters Year Three Of Lak̇ot̄a Immersion Learning

Sovereign Nation, Sovereign School.

Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i Lak̇ot̄a Immersion School (part of the Siċaƞgu Co family) enters its 3rd year as Rosebud Reservation’s only fully immersive Lak̇ot̄a School. Sage Fast Dog, the schools founder and director, has followed his vision for a fully immersive Lak̇ot̄a education and has made it into a reality for students sharing space here.

In year 3, Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i has moved from the single-room classroom they utilized at the Boys & Girls Club here in Mission, South Dakota to their own building. Staff spent the summer preparing the building, which helps satisfy the needs of the growing school with multiple classroom spaces, a kitchen, and an open activity area for the students.

Students begin this year’s learning experience at their new school building.

As the national conversation around what should and shouldn’t be taught in schools grows, Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i carves its own path to reclaim language and culture. Not only are students learning through the lens of the Lak̇ot̄a language, they are fully immersed in Lak̇ot̄a culture as they share space learning songs, dance, and culturally significant stories and teachings.

Students participate in the Rosebud Fair Wacipi Grand Entry.

The importance of the Lak̇ot̄a Immersive learning experience goes beyond the walls at Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i. Continued erasure of Oceti Sakowiƞ people and culture is still being witnessed, especially in education systems nearby Oceti Sakowiƞ nations. Schools like Wak̇aƞyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i move the needle in the direction toward strengthening representation and understanding of Lak̇ot̄a history and current lived experiences.

Lak̇ot̄a Immersion schools help students lean into and strengthen their Lak̇ot̄a identity. This helps strengthen families, which then helps strengthen the oyate (nation). The ripple effect this has on not only Lak̇ot̄a people, but surrounding communities and beyond speaks to the importance of Wakaƞyeja Ki Tokeyaḣc̄i.

Students ride a float they designed for the local homecoming parade in Mission, South Dakota.