Every Diocese in the Episcopal Church has been influenced by the context and cultures in which it finds itself, and the Diocese of South Dakota is no different. One of the elements that has contributed most substantially to the richness and depth of unique spirituality in the Diocese of South Dakota is the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Dakota and Lakota people. Here you will find resources that represent and help to further this important element of the Episcopal tradition in South Dakota.

One of the most important ways that L/Dakota culture and tradition have influenced and will continue to influence the spirituality of the Episcopal Church in South Dakota is through language.

General Language Information: Information in general on the language spoken by the L/Dakota people, as well as well as its dialectical differences.

Writing and Pronunciation: There are a number of different orthographies, or writing systems, for this language, and these can be seen in the article linked above. The resources in use by the Episcopal Church in South Dakota use their own unique writing system, although it is similar to several of those used elsewhere. An explanation of how to pronounce this writing system can be found by clicking on the below images. 

The below video was gifted to the Diocese by Mary Ashley, St. Peters, Fort Pierre

A little background regarding the following version of the
Four Directions Prayer.

This particular version was developed for The (1992) 500th Year of Survival by the national church's Native  Ministry Office along with several other liturgical materials including personal input from The Rev. Canon Dr. Martin Brokenleg, OSBCn Prior, Benedictine Canon Community of St. Aidan, who had input for the colours and the animal messengers.

This prayer is an old format probably not known to anyone younger than 80, unless they also had access to very old anthropological materials.. 

We turn to our Grandfather in the West, To your symbol color of black. To your symbol of thunder mighty and purposeful. To your lessons calling us to balance our emotions in the spirit of gentleness and honesty. To invoke your spirit of introspection, seeing within. Give us your strength and the courage to endure.

We turn to our Grandfather in the North, To your symbol color of white. To your animal symbol of the buffalo strong and nurturing. To your lessons calling us to balance our spirit in harmony with our brothers and sisters.

We turn to our Grandfather in the East, To your symbol color of red. To your animal symbol of the spotted eagle who carries sacred messages. To your lessons of wisdom and knowledge revealed to us. Help us to love you with our whole heart, mind, and soul.

We turn to our Grandfather in the South, To your symbol color yellow. To your animal symbol of the crane which brings us in touch with earthiness and growing things. To your lessons calling us to balance our body in the spirit of a good sense of humor. To invoke your spirit of innocence, trust, and love. Help us to open our eyes to the sacredness of every living thing.

We turn to our Grandfather in the Heavens, To your symbol color of blue. To your animal symbol of the bald eagle, who soars ever upward and calls us to a high spiritual life as well. To your lessons of relying on your protection and calling on your help. To invoke your spirit of trust and hope. Help us to turn our hearts ever toward you in daily life.

We turn to Grandmother Earth, To your symbol color of green. To your animal symbol of the mole, who travels through you and is never separated from you. To your lessons of nurturance and harmony with all living things. To invoke your spirit of nourishment and balance. Help us walk a good road every day of our life.

We look to God who cleanses our earth and us with snow, wind, and rain. To Jesus who fills us with the wideness of mercy and lovingly embraces us all. And to the Holy Spirit who inspires us.

Matakuye Oyasin.