The Seven Lakota Values. All Things Are Connected.
The Pasque Flower
I was searching for information about the saying, “All things are connected,” which led me to the lavender Pasque flower. The flower is important to the Sioux people and was chosen as South Dakota’s official flower. I believe that all things are connected, and the phrase was on my website’s home page at some point. I agree with this belief, and it became important to me to go deeper into my research.
All things are connected.
This is a phrase from the Lakota (part of the Sioux Nation) of the Northern Plains. The American Indian people of the Northern Plains refer to themselves as Lakota, Dakota, or Nakota, names associated with their specific dialects.
After a little more research, I learned that in all three dialects —Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota—“friend” or “ally” refers to alliances between bands. The name “Sioux” was adopted in English from the French by the 1760s. Despite being friends, the Sioux were not a historically peaceful tribe (The Great Sioux War). That being said, the Lakota people believe that all creation is sacred; therefore, every plant, animal, and human being is holy. This leads me to the following belief:
Mitákuye Oyasiŋ
Mitákuye Oyasiŋ translates to all things are connected. Below is a list of the Seven Lakota Values and their translations. This beautiful collection further reflects their culture’s perspective on life. Visit the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center in South Dakota, which details the Lakota people’s beliefs, art, tribal lands, and much more.
The Seven Lakota Values
Fortitude – Wowačíŋtaŋka
Generosity – Wačáŋtognaka
Kinship – Wótakuye
Prayer – Wóčekiya
Respect – Waóhola
Wisdom – Wóksape
Compassion – Wówauŋšila
More connected reflections:
