Redwing Thomas

All SeriesIápi Wakán: Sacred Languages

Jan 26

Written By Lindell Haywahe

Air Date: January 26, 2026

Summary

Episode 1 - Redwing Thomas presents at the 2025 Language Conference.

Episode 14 - Interview with Redwing Thomas

**SERIES**

Iápi Wakán: Sacred Languages

**HOSTS & PRODUCERS**
Lindell Haywahe, Amanda Leader

Redwing Thomas speaks into a microphone.

Episode Guest

H’upahu Duta (Redwing Thomas) hails from the lands of the Isanti Dakota Nation in Santee, Nebraska. Currently, he is serving as the Dakota Language Coordinator for the Santee Sioux Nation. As a dedicated teacher of Dakota philosophy, history and culture, he recently earned recognition with Launch Leadership’s Ron Joekel Award for Outstanding Teaching and his significant contributions to cultural awareness. A passionate advocate for the Dakota language, H’ubahu Duta is widely recognized in Indian Country for his expertise in language instruction, sharing cultural concepts, promoting Dakota life-ways, and inspiring young individuals to take pride in their heritage. Beyond his role as an Eyapaha (MC), he travels extensively throughout the United States and Canada as part of the Mato Pejuta drum group. His love for singing, appreciation for the beauty of music and enthusiasm for dance are evident in his cultural pursuits. Amidst his many accomplishments, H’ubahu Duta cherished his role as a proud father of seven and an overjoyed grandfather of two exceptionally special grandsons.

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Iris McKay

DECOLONIZING AND PROMOTING OUR OČÉTI ŠAKÓWĮ LIFEWAYS attention is devoted to promoting settler ways of living that highlight colonialist ideals. In hindsight, we are attracting, promoting, and internalizing traumatic dehumanizing discourse that impacts our nagi (spirit) furthering harm to our cultural and linguistic autonomy. Decolonization is often unpleasant, contradictory and questions our beliefs and experiences. Our language is foundational to our well-being as Dakota, Nakota and Lakota people. It is our protection and provides guidance but first we must allow ourselves to think “wakán ič’ina - deem oneself sacred” as intended ̨́ by our Creator-Great Spirit. This presentation is meant to identify common sense approaches through language that will allow change and revelation, embarking on a personal decolonization discourse. By looking inward, we begin to define and make connections to our Očéti Šakówį lifeways, and further the dialogue for ourselves.

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Harold Blacksmith

A recording of a speech given by Harold Blacksmith in both English and his first language, Dakota. He shares stories of his life, the lessons he has been taught and intends to carry onto others. Blacksmith also shares the importance language has in his own and his community’s lives, and future generations.

Iápi Wakán: Sacred Languages - Bonus Interviews

A collection of bonus interviews conducted and produced by Lindell Haywahe, Amanda Leader, and William Alexander Yuzicapi. Our producers interviewed a variety of individuals so they could share their life journeys as fluent and student speakers of their languages.

Vanessa Goodthunder

Vanessa Goodthunder's presentation focused on the Dakota language and Wicohan (Way of Life) that is taught to children from birth to five-years-old. Her goal is to expand this program to older children. She says the five-year-olds will be co-teachers in the advanced program.

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In his presentation, Arvol Looking Horse talks about the importance of World Peace and Prayer Day--June 21, and his life journey that brought him to the Oceti Sakowin conference.

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Lindell Haywahe

Redwing Thomas

Summary

Iápi Wakán: Sacred Languages

Episode Guest

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