Our Speakers

We chose fluent speakers from different regions, communities and generations to give the learner the best possible sample of how to listen for and use the sounds of the language. We know that words change meaning and are spoken slightly differently from generation to generation. We also know that meanings change from community to tribe to region in addition to the gender differences of the language. We made extra effort to thoughtfully offer these variances to Lakota Voices so that we continue to emphasize our philosophy that ; " there is more than one right way".

We also took great effort to avoid colonized definitions that were deliberately changed in attempts to mold Lakota into western thought.

We have logged over 400 hours of interviewing, editing and selecting visual aids.

We have traveled over 3500 miles to record, re record and consult with fluent speakers and our language consultants to create this initial version of the Lakota Voices dictionary.

And our journey has just begun...

Meet Our Speakers

Culture. Tradition. Storytelling.

Oglala Lakota

Jerome Kills Small

Jerome is from Porcupine, S.D., on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He graduated from and taught at the University of South Dakota, instructing Lakota language, American Indian thought, Siouan tribal culture, Lakota history, and a seminar on Black Elk. He also taught the Dakota language and American Indian cultures at Nebraska Indian Community College in Santee, Neb., and South Sioux City, Neb

Affiliation

Belva Emery

Belva

Oglala Sioux

Velma Kills Back

Velma

Rosebud Sioux

Joseph Marshall III

Joseph was raised in a traditional Lakota household by his maternal grandparents and so his first language is Lakota. In that environment he also learned the ancient tradition of oral storytelling.

He is one of the founders of Sinte Gleska University (1971) on the Rosebud Reservation and is one of the Charter Board Members. As a speaker and lecturer, he has appeared in many venues throughout the United States and in countries such as France, Sweden, and Siberia.

Oceti Sakowin

Mona Rencountre

MOna

IN MEMORIUM

Earlwin Bullhead

Earlwin was a performer and educator with over 20 years’ experience teaching Lakota Language, Song and Dance, History and Culture at both elementary and secondary levels. He produced numerous Lakota song albums of both social, ceremonial, hand drum and powwow CD’s with his drum group Ikce Wicasa. Earl worked within the Spirit Lake school system in North Dakota. He was an experienced presenter, having been key note speaker as the Lakota Language Summit held annually In Rapid City, SD

Interested in Becoming a Dictionary Speaker?