Learn about Dakota Wicohan, a non-profit organization, and its efforts to revitalize the the Minnesota Dakota language. Dakota Wicohan has a wide range of language programs, leadership and lifeways programs, and outreach efforts. Learn the Dakota language, and learn about school resources, such as our documentary and handbook. Dakota Wicohan works to revitalize the Minnesota Dakota language, known as the eastern or D-dialect. This is one of three dialects which use the D, L, and N interchangeably. The D dialect is spoken by the Dakota bands indigenous to the Minnesota region—the Mdewakantaon, Sisitonwan, Wahpetonwan, and Wahpekute.

Our mission is “to revitalize Dakota as a living language, and through it, transmit Dakota lifeways to future generations.” Our long-term vision is to build Minnesota’s first Dakota learning institute that will prepare and empower increasing numbers of people, generation by generation, to lead our communities with wo’Dakota.