What are ways that we show respect in our lives? What are ways we show generosity in our lives? What are ways we show bravery in our lives? What are way we show wisdom in our lives? Why are these four values the most important in traditional Dakota culture? What are examples of values that…
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…
What nation represents each direction in Dakota tradition? Why do Dakota people pray to the different directions? Why is a pipe and tobacco often used for prayer? What is prayer to me? Is it important to who I am? Who taught me to pray? What kinds of things do I pray for? Why?
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…
Why are drugs becoming more of a problem in some places? In what ways do drugs and alcohol destroy families? How might law enforcement help to curb the problems of drugs in communities? Has my family been impacted negatively by someone using drugs? What happened? Have I ever witnessed drug or alcohol addiction destroy a…
Why is it important for children/young people to have a strong knowledge of their relatives? How can people find out about their relatives if they don’t know them? What do I know about my extended family? Are there relatives that are close but I haven’t met them before? Does knowing about my family and extended…
What is a wake? When do wakes happen and what kinds of things happen during a wake? How does translation cause meaning to be lost? Is humor important in my family? What kinds of things does my family find funny? Have I ever tried to tell a joke that my friends/family find funny, but a…
Why was food hard to come by in the past? Where did people get it before there were stores and restaurants? Why would it be especially important to not waste anything during these times? When did things become more easily accessible? Do I know where the food I eat comes from? Where does it come…
Why did people have to haul water with a sled in the past? Where did they get it? What did they haul it in? What are kerosene lamps? Why were kerosene lamps needed in the past? Is there someone in my life that has told me about what life was like long ago? What do…