Dakota Nation Media
Your Trusted Source for Native News, Culture, and Community Voices
Welcome to Dakota Nation Media, the premier source of news, stories, and cultural insights from the heart of the Dakota homeland. Based in Santee, Nebraska, we are dedicated to bringing the rich tapestry of our community to the forefront, providing a platform where every voice can be heard and every story can be shared. Our commitment to authentic representation and local engagement keeps our content relevant and our community connected. Join us as we honor our past, present, and future with media that matters.
News in the Community - check out our santee news page
Below you will find a few articles on some of the history of the Santee Sioux Nation. From the old news paper in santee that went by the name Iapi Oaye - The word carrier to the current water problem on the Santee Reservation.
Mni Wiconi - Water Crisis in Santee
In the heart of the Santee Sioux Nation, the community is embroiled in a crucial fight for access to clean drinking water, encapsulated in the phrase "Mni Wiconi" meaning "water is life." The struggle intensified when the EPA issued a no-drink order due to dangerously high manganese levels, affecting nearly half the tribal homes across the U.S. Efforts to secure funding for essential water infrastructure faced setbacks in state governance, with Legislative Bill 1131 failing despite initial support. However, persistence led to a partial victory with the passage of a water quality amendment in LB 1413, spearheaded by Senator Wishart and approved by Governor Jim Pillen, allocating $20 million towards water projects. This legislative success marks a step forward in the Santee Sioux Nation's ongoing journey to ensure a sustainable water supply, emphasizing the broader call for dignity, health, and the continuation of ancestral livelihoods on their land.
The Word Carrier - Iapi Oaye
Dive into the powerful legacy of "Iapi Oaye - The Word Carrier," a newspaper that began in 1871 and ended in 1939, offering a window into the Santee Dakota's past. This historic publication not only preserved the Dakota language but also chronicled pivotal events like the Wounded Knee Massacre and the Ghost Dance movement. Its stories still resonate, connecting us to the enduring spirit of a people and their culture.
Santee Normal Training School
In the face of adversity and cultural upheaval, the Santee Normal Training School emerged as a beacon of hope and educational progress for the Santee Sioux tribe. Founded in 1870 by Reverend Alfred L. Riggs amidst the aftermath of the Sioux Uprising, the school became a sanctuary for knowledge that was firmly rooted in the community's culture and heritage. It championed the integration of the Santee Sioux language in education, defying government pressures for English-only instruction and emphasizing the importance of learning in one's native tongue. The school's 67-year legacy is a testament to the resilience of the Santee Sioux, showcasing their enduring commitment to education that honors their language and cultural identity. As we remember the school's impact, we are reminded of the importance of preserving educational practices that respect and celebrate indigenous culture and languages.
IOP - Intense Outpatient Program
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is revolutionizing addiction and trauma recovery by integrating cultural practices and personalized care into its sessions. Departing from traditional NA and AA methods, this program focuses on healing the individual holistically, addressing root causes of addiction such as grief and abuse. Central to the therapy are cultural elements that reclaim the patient's spirit and identity, with practices like sweat lodges for spiritual recovery and equine therapy for emotional healing. Led by experienced individuals with significant sobriety milestones, the program emphasizes community support, accessibility, and education about self-healing and cultural history, underscoring the power of traditional wisdom in modern recovery processes.
