Agency Village, SD — Erin Griffin (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate) envisions Makoce ataya Dakota Oyate kin Dakota iapi kte, a future where the Dakota Oyate will speak the Dakota language everywhere. From an early age, she wanted to understand and speak Dakota but found it difficult to find effective learning strategies and opportunities to use what she had learned. She has dedicated much of her work and passion to creating spaces for her community to learn the Dakota language and culture. Now, to create even greater change, she knows it is important to establish supportive places for people, especially women, to speak Dakota. To be a leader of this movement, she will finish her doctoral degree in Indigenous language and culture revitalization, increase her proficiency in the Dakota language, and create intentional moments for rest and rejuvenation.
