Who were the characters in this story? When and where did it take place? What are the most important points of the story? What do stories like this one teach us? How does the translation from Dakota to English impact the meaning of this story? Is there a story I know that was told over…
What is an origin story? Why are they important? What does it mean to come from the stars? What are examples of origin stories from around the country and world? Why are stories and storytelling so important to the carrying on of traditions, culture and identity? How did the Minnesota Uprising of 1862 impact the…
How did Patricia’s Grandpa get his name? How are animals not indigenous to this area named? i.e. elephants, giraffes, etc. How would a dictionary help with the development and preservation of the Dakota Language? Have I ever come across something I have never seen before and tried to explain it to someone? How did I…
What does it mean to be an example for someone else? How do we lead in ways that can help others? How do we develop wisdom? Why is it important to give that wisdom away? Who is someone who has taught me by example in my life? What did they teach me? Am I someone…
What are the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous? Why is the first step of admitting I have a problem so important? Why have suicide and drugs like meth become so prevalent, especially in Reservation communities? What role can God/belief in a higher power play in healing from addiction? Have I or someone I have known…
What does each part of the Medicine Wheel represent? What do the colors mean? How does the Medicine Wheel help us understand life? Are there symbols that are important to me in my life? What are they and why are they important to me? How do symbols, colors, etc. impact my life? Do they help…
What does the word kunci mean? Who is Iktomi? How does Iktomi help to teach lessons? What was/is my relationship like with my grandparents? What role do/did they play in my life? Are there stories about my family’s history that I have been told to help me learn a lesson? What are they? Have I…
Why does the circle in Dakota culture move clockwise? What does the phrase, “Aki apa” mean? How does focusing on aki apa help in difficult times with others? Have I ever had to deal with a bully? If so, how did I handle it? Did anyone ever help me learn how to deal with bullies/difficult…
What is a guardian angel? How is it similar to the spirit Demus speaks about? How does having an education impact a person’s experience in the world? Why was it important to some families that their children attend boarding schools in the past? How do I feel about spirits or angels in my life? How…
Where is St. Michael’s Boarding School? What years has it been open? Why were people punished for speaking indigenous languages in the boarding schools in the past? Why were students not allowed to pray in their traditional language? What was the goal of the boarding schools in the past? Have I ever attended a school…