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.
Their reserve, now called the Canupawakpa Dakota Nation, was created in 1877. Its first inhabitants are the common ancestors of today’s community members.
Community wellness has been at the forefront of the community agenda. Below, community member, Edith Sutherland teaches a class on traditional culture.
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.