Henry J. Quick Bear Sr. & Sarah Hart

Oct. 3

Air Date: October 3, 2024

Summary

LAKOLYA WAONIYA PROGRAM
NOURISHING CULTURAL IDENTITY THROUGH LANGUAGE & CEREMONY - The Lak̇ota language is a key part of our strength and sovereignty as a nation. In 2021, In order to revitalize our language and culture, we launched a program to hire members of the Siċaŋġu Oyate to become fluent Lak̇ota speakers.
The program is called Lak̇olya Waoniya — “Breathing Life into the Lak̇ota Language” — and is a paid, holistic development experience centered on developing Lakota language fluency and strengthening Lak̇ota lifeways.
When we speak our language and practice our spiritual ways, we heal and restore ourselves and the Oyate. Young people grow up stronger when they hear their native language surrounding them in song, prayer, and laughter. Lak̇olya Waoniya is preparing the next generation of Lakota speakers so they can help teach and strengthen the next generation.

**SERIES**

Iápi Wakán: Sacred Languages

**HOSTS & PRODUCERS**
Lindell Haywahe, Amanda Leader, William Alexander Yuzicapi

Episode Guest

Henry J. Quick Bear Sr. is a Sicangu spiritual leader & Lakota Educator of Lakota Language & Culture. Henry is currently the Lakota language teacher for the Lakolya Waoniya Project. He is a respected spiritual leader from Spring Creek community on the Rosebud Reservation. Continuing the work that his grandpa Cetan Ohanko started, Henry is currently working on Lakota language reclamation as a language teacher and consultant for tribal programs.

Episode Guest

Sarah Hart is a visionary Sicangu tribal member with a heart dedicated to Lakota education and Lakota empowerment. Born in 1980, Sarah’s journey began being raised by her Ina (Mother), Sue Four Horns and Unci (Grandmother), Alice Four Horns, on the Rosebud reservation. Her commitment and love for her people have led her to work for Sicangu Co, a unique eco-system (Rosebud Economic Development Corporation), where we build up communities’ Lakota style. Sarah can assist in the groundwork needed for the communities, currently serves as program manager for Lakolya Waoniya and is actively learning the Lakota language. Sarah’s mission is to help preserve our traditional teachings, focusing on man.

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Lindell Haywahe