The History of the Canadian Sioux: The Canupawakpa Dakota

by Morley Taylor

In August of 1862, armed conflict erupted between the Dakota and the US over disagreements on land ownership. Seeking safety from American forces, a group of Dakota migrated north and sought safety on Crown lands. The Wakhpekute Dakota were among them, and with the receipt of their own sections of land, began the transition to reserve life.

THE DAKOTA HAD TO ADAPT TO LIVING STATIONARY ON RESERVE, AND MANY WERE EVENTUALLY ABLE TO DEVELOP HOMESTEADS; PHOTO CA 1950, COURTESY OF LOLA THUNDERCHILD

Their reserve, now called the Canupawakpa Dakota Nation, was created in 1877. Its first inhabitants are the common ancestors of today’s community members.

GEORGE CHATKANA SR. & WIFE LUCY CHATKANA, CA 1920; PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LOLA THUNDERCHILD

Community wellness has been at the forefront of the community agenda. Below, community member, Edith Sutherland teaches a class on traditional culture.

EDITH SUTHERLAND, LEADING A CULTURE CLASS, CA 1971; COURTESY OF LOLA THUNDERCHILD

Though Canupawakpa has experienced many setbacks, from lack of independent authority to its share of cultural genocide, the community continues to strive in their fight to preserve culture, language, and tradition.

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