Dakota Indian Foundation & Dakota Plains Gallery

06/05/2026

Come hangout with us at the Smoking Mule!!

06/05/2026

🌎🤎 Happy World Environment Day 🦋🪶

Today, we honor Uŋčí Makȟá (Mother Earth) not just as the place we live, but as a relative.

She nourishes us, teaches us, and holds the stories of those who came before us. In Lakota ways of knowing, our relationship with the Earth is built on reciprocity. We care for the land, and the land cares for us.

As we reflect on that relationship today, we’re also excited to begin our Wówapi Circle journey. Our first book, Our Sacred Land of Pȟežúta, explores the connections between land, language, traditional knowledge, and the medicines that have sustained our people for generations.

The Earth is one of our greatest teachers. Every season, every plant, every landscape carries lessons if we’re willing to listen.

🌿 Uŋčí Makȟá matters.
🌿 Relationship matters.
🌿 Stewardship matters.

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

Featured Illustration is from the book, “Our Sacred Land of Phežúta,” written by Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ Tara Perron and illustrated by Holly Young.
🔗 https://www.dakotaindianfoundation.net/product-page/our-sacred-land-of-phe%C5%BE%C3%BAta-by-tana%C7%A7ida%C5%8B-to-wi%C5%8B-tara-perron

06/05/2026

📚✨ Wówapi Circle • Week One ✨📚

Welcome to the first week of our book club, Wówapi Circle!

This week, we've been exploring the connections between language, culture, traditional knowledge, and the land. As we continue that conversation, we're excited to feature “Our Sacred Land of Pȟežúta,” written by Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ Tara Perron and illustrated by Holly Young.

This beautiful book introduces readers of all ages to the plants, medicines, language, and teachings that have long been an important part of Oceti Šakówiŋ lifestyle. While written for younger readers, it offers meaningful lessons for all of us and serves as a wonderful starting point for learning and discussion.

We chose this book because it brings together so many of the things we value here at the Dakota Indian Foundation: culture, language, traditional knowledge, and our relationship with the land.

Throughout the month, we'll be sharing discussion questions, reflections, and opportunities to learn together. Whether you've already read the book or are just following along, we're glad you're here. 😇💕

Last week, we asked:

✨ What will future generations inherit from us?

This week, we'd love to hear your thoughts on a new question:

🌱 What knowledge about the Earth has been passed down to you?

Share your thoughts in the comments, and keep an eye on our stories throughout the month for additional discussion questions and reflections inspired by the book.

📖 It's never too late to join us! We carry “Our Sacred Land of Pȟežúta” at the Dakota Plains Gallery, both in store and online. Pick up a copy and follow along with us this month:

🔗 https://www.dakotaindianfoundation.net/product-page/our-sacred-land-of-phe%C5%BE%C3%BAta-by-tana%C7%A7ida%C5%8B-to-wi%C5%8B-tara-perron

06/05/2026

Happy Forever 605 Day!
Come see us at the 2nd Annual 605 DAY and help celebrate!

Dunk tank, face painting, vendors, sweets and treats truck, family photo mini sessions, LIVE band, minnow races, 6.05% off in gift shop all day!! And so much more!

See you Friday!

06/04/2026

🦅Celebrate 605 Day with Us!🦬

Tomorrow, we’ll be joining vendors from across South Dakota at the Smoking Mule to celebrate the people, places, cultures, and communities that make South Dakota special.

As a small thanks and appreciation to our community, we’ll be handing out free Emergency Smudge Kits while supplies last.

Stop by our booth to take a look at some of our new favorites we have featured in the Dakota Plains Gallery!

We can’t wait to see you there. ♥️

📍 Smoking Mule
📅 Friday, June 5
🕛 Begins at Noon

06/03/2026

It is going to be a great month… here is a glimpse of our plans at the Tokata Youth Center this June!

06/03/2026

Wisdom Wednesday | Living Language 📚🌿

At Dakota Indian Foundation and Dakota Plains Gallery, cultural preservation is at the heart of our work. That includes the ongoing effort of language preservation and revitalization, and finding ways to bring the Lakota and Dakota languages into everyday life. 🤎

Like many Indigenous nations, our languages were nearly lost due to historical policies and the disruption of cultural teaching. Today, through continued language revitalization, communities are strengthening teaching practices and growing the number of fluent speakers.

As we prepare for the start of Wówapi Circle this Friday, here are a few Lakota vocabulary words connected to our opening theme of story, land, and knowledge:

🌱 pȟežúta — medicine; something used for healing
📖 wówapi — book; writing or recorded knowledge

These words help ground us in what this circle is about: learning together and honoring how knowledge is shared and carried forward.

✨ If you’d like to continue learning with us, we invite you to explore the Lakota language resources available for purchase at the Dakota Plains Gallery!
🔗 https://www.dakotaindianfoundation.net/books

06/02/2026

Hello everyone,
We are excited to invite you to join our Wiyan Support Group, a welcoming and safe space for all wiyan’s. We come together to support, share, and uplift each other in our journeys.
Please take a moment to read the flyer for more details about our meeting location and guidelines. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated to ensure everyone’s comfort and privacy.
Important Reminders:
Respect the privacy of all members.
Be mindful and considerate of the building and its facilities.
Bring your open heart and positive energy!
We look forward to seeing you and building a supportive community together. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Thank you for your respect and participation!

06/02/2026

🇺🇸 This Day in History: Indian Citizenship Act

On June 2, 1924, the Indian Citizenship Act was signed into law, granting U.S. citizenship to Native Americans born within the United States.

While this legislation marked an important milestone, it did not immediately guarantee equal rights. Many Native citizens continued to face voting barriers and full participation in U.S. civic life for decades afterward.

This moment in history reflects both change and complexity - it acknowledges a federal shift, while also recognizing the long struggle for true inclusion and justice.

Today, we remember this history not only as a moment of change, but as a testament to the resilience of Indigenous peoples who continued to advocate for their rights, their communities, and future generations.

At Dakota Plains Gallery & Gifts, we believe that sharing and preserving these stories is one way we honor the past, protect knowledge, and inspire future generations to learn from it.

06/01/2026

Happy June! 🍓

Featured Illustration is from the book, “Our Sacred Land of Phežúta,” written by Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ Tara Perron and illustrated by Holly Young.

https://www.dakotaindianfoundation.net/product-page/our-sacred-land-of-phe%C5%BE%C3%BAta-by-tana%C7%A7ida%C5%8B-to-wi%C5%8B-tara-perron