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Foundational Language Acquisition Video Series
Department of Languages and Cultures
ABOUT
Join us to celebrate the voices of five First Nations languages of Manitoba! The Foundational Language Acquisition Video Series features 160 conversational videos in Anishinaabemowin, Anisinimowin, Dakota, Denesuline, and Ininīmowin. The series focuses on real-life, task-based conversations rooted in daily activities and cultural teachings.
WHY
The video format is intentional because the MFNERC development team believes the videos capture the important non-verbal elements in language and provide a richer, more authentic learning experience that reflects how First Nations languages are truly spoken in homes and communities.
GOAL
Our goal is to strengthen First Nations languages and cultures, encourage families and communities to use their language every day, and help children and youth stay proud and connected to their identities. Whether you are a new learner, a returning speaker, or an educator seeking meaningful resources, these videos offer accessible tools to support language revitalization across Manitoba First Nations communities.
Explore the Languages
Select a Language below to watch conversation videos
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First Day of School Description: Grandfather woke up his grandson and took him to school. At first, the boy was scared, but he soon learned that school was a good place to learn his language and Anishinaabe traditions.
Our Home Communities and Language Revitalization Description: Speakers introduce their home communities and share about the beautiful natural landscapes of Sandy Bay and Berens River. They also reflect on language loss in their communities and highlight the importance of revitalization efforts.
Going for a Walk and Visiting Grandmother Description: Mishkosh wakes up his grandfather and urges him to go outside. Grandfather teaches Mishkosh how to travel safely in cold weather. Later, Mishkosh visits his grandmother and helps her make bannock.
Where are you going? Description: The speakers talk about different destinations to the question “Where are you going?” You can learn the authentic responses such as going to the school, hospital, store, band office, community hall, and home. You can also learn what you can do in these places.
Hunting with Grandfather Description: Mishkosh goes on a horseback trip with his grandfather to go hunting. Grandfather teaches him how to pack, prepare, offer tobacco, giving thanks to the Creator and the deer, and load the animal with respect.
Singing Description: Sing along with Claude and Frank to learn three Anishinaabemowin nursery rhymes: Where is my family, the animal song, if you’re happy, and on our land.
Harvesting Firewood Description: Grandfather woke up his grandson to go harvest wood and learn the Anishinaabe traditions, learning to harvest for Mikoosh parents.
Christmas with Mishkosh Description: This video is a grandfather teaches his grandson Mishkosh about Christmas.
Getting ready for Winter Description: Memories are shared of long ago on how people got ready for winter. Hunting, snaring rabbits, trapping, food preservation, medicine stored, are some things that are mentioned.
Celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Long Ago Description: In this video memories are shared about the practices of how the older generations celebrated Christmas and New Year’s back then.
Snaring Description: Mikoosh learns hunting skills with the grandfather.
Fishing Description: This video is about Mishkosh learning how to fish with a rod and learns different species of fish.
Engine/Vehicle Repair Description: Learn the names for main functions of an engine.
Hunting Description: In this video the grandfather takes Mishkoosh out and teaches the traditional way of hunting.
Description: In this video, the speakers share the importance of storytelling in passing down knowledge, values, and history.
Net Fishing Description: two friends Star and Crow went for net fishing in the winter. They will react from preparation, fishing, to enjoying the results!
Picking Medicines Description: The grandfather teaches his grandson, Andek, how to pick medicines in the bush.
What is Land-based Education Description: The video shares passing on traditional knowledge, language and cultural teachings to the younger generation.
Practices of Land-Based Education Description: The video shares cultural and language revitalization in the school. It mentions hands-on activities such as hunting and fishing following traditional practices.
The Land that Gives Description: The speakers talk about land formations, describe vegetation and the harvest from the land. They also mention the moss usage.
The Water that Gives Description: Memories are shared of how people gained livelihood from freshwater fish from the lakes and rivers. Special events are mentioned.
Spring Description: This video is about how spring starts everything anew such as animals and plants. Memories are shared of teachings received during the summer.
Language Concerns Description: We talk about how we need to help and teach about the past use of our language.
Traditional Anishinaabe Weather Knowledge Description: How did the Anishinaabek know when to go fishing or prepare for a cold winter long before modern weather forecasts? In this video, speakers share how observing natural signs—such as cloud patterns, wind direction, and changes in plants and animal behavior—helped predict the weather.
Learning Language through Music Description: Claude teaches Frank how to learn the Anishinaabemowin double-vowel system through singing. They also sing a few songs in the language.
Trapping and Skinning Description: After trapping, Grandfather teaches Mishkosh how to skin animals such as beaver and muskrat and shows him the steps for stretching the hides.
Grandfather Teaches Mishkoosh Landforms Description: Mishkosh hears many words but doesn’t understand them. Grandfather teaches him the Anishinaabemowin words for landforms and waters, such as prairie, hills, mountains, water, river, and creek.
Anishinaabemowin Nursery Rhymes Description: Sing along with Claude and Frank to learn three Anishinaabemowin nursery rhymes: Where is my family, ducks, and the animal song.
Summer Solstice Description: In this video memories are shared of how summers were spent when we were children. It mentions sundances, gathering medicines, and much more.
How Drug Addiction Harms Our Communities Description: Two Anishinaabe teachers express concern about the harm illicit drugs cause to First Nations youth. They discuss ways to offer support, promote healing, and help young people regain confidence and strength towards the good life.
Going for a Walk Description: A mother takes her son for a walk during the beautiful fall season. Along the way, they admire the colorful leaves and encounter different animals, including geese, a fox, beavers, and a bald eagle.
Animal’s Talk: Skunk and Turtle Description: On his way to visit his grandmother, the skunk meets a turtle. The two strike up a conversation, sharing stories about their trip and what they enjoy doing in their free time.
Hand Drum Teaching Description: MFNERC staff share valuable cultural teachings about the hand drum—its uses, meaning, and the protocol for making one. You will learn about the drum’s cultural significance, including how its round shape symbolizes the circle of life and how its beat connects to the heartbeat of Mother Earth.
Wēsākēcāk and His Brothers: Cahkapes and Weymesosiw Description: This video introduces Wesakecahk’s two brothers: Weymesosiw and Cahkapes. Wesakecahk’s mean brother Weymesosiw tries to trick him, but Wesakecahk cleverly turns the prank back on the prankster. This story shows how wit can overcome jealousy and malice.
Butterfly Girl Description: This video tells the story of a girl coping with a traumatic experience who becomes quiet, withdrawn, and struggles in school. Her teachers reach out and support her. This reminds us of the importance of lifting one another up.
Go Fishing Description: The speakers talk about an upcoming fishing trip, what to bring, how to cut ice, what will happen, and how to cook fish.
Go Shopping Description: In this video, we will drive to a store to shop. The speakers are loading their carts.
Black Wolf Story Description: Black Wolf forgets his brother Wesakecahk’s warning and is tricked by a moose into a lake. This story teaches youth to resist temptation by staying away from substance addiction and take care of themselves.
Wēsākēcāk Circle: The Origin of Birds (Part 1) Description: In this story, we will learn about the origin of songbirds and the arrival of the Frog moon, the springtime.
Wēsākēcāk Circle: The Origin of Birds (Part 2) Description: Story continues, we will learn about the origin of songbirds and the arrival of the Frog moon, the springtime.
Wēsākēcāk Circle: The Little Bird’s Arrow (Part 1) Description: Wesakecahk mocks a small bird, only to find the brave bird fighting back. This story teaches not to judge others by their size but by their courage.
Wēsākēcāk Circle: The Little Bird’s Arrow (Part 2) Description: Story continues, Wesakecahk mocks a small bird, only to find the brave bird fighting back. This story teaches not to judge others by their size but by their courage.
Wēsākēcāk Circle: Wolverine Confronts Big Skunk (Part 1) Description: Wēsākēcāk, the wolverine, was searching for the big Skunk. This story explains the origin of the salty seawater and teaches people not to be arrogant.
Wēsākēcāk Circle: Wolverine Confronts Big Skunk (Part 2) Description: Story Continued, Wēsākēcāk, the wolverine, was searching for the big Skunk. This story explains the origin of the salty seawater and teaches people not to be arrogant.
Wēsākēcāk Circle: The Origin of Death (Part 1) Description: This story explains the origin of death—people can heal sickness, but not death. Wesakecahk fell in love with a girl who refused to live with him. Angry and hurt, he used his medicine to threaten her life. When she left, she died and could not be brought back.
Wēsākēcāk Circle: The Origin of Death (Part 2) Description: Story continued: This story explains the origin of death—people can heal sickness, but not death. Wesakecahk fell in love with a girl who refused to live with him. Angry and hurt, he used his medicine to threaten her life. When she left, she died and could not be brought back.
Wēsākēcāk Circle: Wēsākēcāk Snares the Sun (Part 1) Description: Curious Wesakecahk sets a snare and accidentally traps the sun. The wood mouse frees it, teaching a lesson about the consequences of irresponsibility.
Wēsākēcāk Circle: Wēsākēcāk Snares the Sun (Part 2) Description: Story Continues, Curious Wesakecahk sets a snare and accidentally traps the sun. The wood mouse frees it, teaching a lesson about the consequences of irresponsibility.
Wēsākēcāk takes the Sun-Fire Leggings (Part 1) Description: This story is a teaching on theft. Wēsākēcāk took the medicine leggings that don’t belong to him. The leggings went on fire and caused trouble.
Wēsākēcāk takes the sun-fire leggings (Part 2) Description: Story Continues, this story is a teaching on theft. Wēsākēcāk took the medicine leggings that don’t belong to him. The leggings went on fire and caused trouble.
Wēsākēcāk sits understanding crane’s shadow (Part 1) Description: Wēsākēcāk stands under the sitting Crane and tries to learn to sit like the crane. This story is a teaching about curiosity.
Wēsākēcāk sits understanding crane’s shadow (Part 2) Description: Story continues, Wēsākēcāk stands under the sitting Crane and tries to learn to sit like the crane. This story is a teaching about curiosity.
Wēsākēcāk leaves the big feast hungry (Part 1) Description: Wēsākēcāk has been walking for a long time. He was very hungry and thirsty. He went to the otter’s lodge to eat at the feast but ended up empty stomach. This story is a teaching on denial.
Wēsākēcāk leaves the big feast hungry (Part 2) Description: Story continues, Wēsākēcāk has been walking for a long time. He was very hungry and thirsty. He went to the otter’s lodge to eat at the feast but ended up empty stomach. This story is a teaching on denial.
Wēsākēcāk Weasel kills Whetiko (Part 1) Description: On his way searching for his brother, Wēsākēcāk encountered Whetiko the giant who is going to kill and eat Wēsākēcāk. Sihkooseu the weasel was very courageous and wise. He came up with an idea and helped save Wēsākēcāk’s life. This story is a teaching on co-operation.
Wēsākēcāk Weasel kills Whetiko (Part 2) Description: Story continues, on his way searching for his brother, Wēsākēcāk encountered Whetiko the giant who is going to kill and eat Wēsākēcāk. Sihkooseu the weasel was very courageous and wise. He came up with an idea and helped save Wēsākēcāk’s life. This story is a teaching on co-operation.
Wēsākēcāk: why Muskawa, bear has a short tail (Part 1) Description: In the cold icy winter, Bear was hungry and looking for food. The fox tricked the bear to put his tail in the airhole to wait for fish. Wēsākēcāk came to help but bear’s tail was snapped from pulling. This story is a teaching on being naive.
Wēsākēcāk: why Muskawa, bear has a short tail (Part 2) Description: Story continues, in the cold icy winter, Bear was hungry and looking for food. The fox tricked the bear to put his tail in the airhole to wait for fish. Wēsākēcāk came to help but bear’s tail was snapped from pulling. This story is a teaching on being naive.
Wēsākēcāk – Who borrowed plumes (Part 1) Description: Wēsākēcāk saw Eagle flying up in the sky, wishing to fly too. The Eagle flew him up but tricked him. The clouds became moist and Wēsākēcāk fell. Watch this story and you’ll learn why eagles eat rotten meat.
Wēsākēcāk: Who borrowed plumes (Part 2) Description: Story continues, Wēsākēcāk saw Eagle flying up in the sky, wishing to fly too. The Eagle flew him up but tricked him. The clouds became moist and Wēsākēcāk fell. Watch this story and you’ll learn why eagles eat rotten meat.
Wēsākēcāk: why moose has a loose robe? Description: Long long time ago, when the rivers were young, the animals had no hooves, no fur, no horns, and no robes. Winter came, Bear called a meeting with all animals, moose was selected to go ask Kichi Manitou to give them skins to keep them warm.
Wēsākēcāk and Whiskey Jack who borrowed feathers (Part 1) Description: Whiskey Jack was ordinary looking and he felt very ashamed. He thought wearing bird feathers would make his shame go away, but he felt clumsy in another’s skin, and he looked so funny too. He finds kindness in the camps of the Ininewak.
Wēsākēcāk and Whiskey Jack who borrowed feathers (Part 2) Description: Story Continues, Whiskey Jack was ordinary looking and he felt very ashamed. He thought wearing bird feathers would make his shame go away, but he felt clumsy in another’s skin, and he looked so funny too. He finds kindness in the camps of the Ininewak.
Wēsākēcāk Circle: Wēsākēcāk Deceives Two Blind Men (Part 1) Description: Wesakecahk tricks two blind men and steals their meat, causing them to fight each other. This story teaches us not to accuse others without knowing the truth.
Wēsākēcāk Circle: Wēsākēcāk Deceives Two Blind Men (Part 2) Description: Story continues, Wesakecahk tricks two blind men and steals their meat, causing them to fight each other. This story teaches us not to accuse others without knowing the truth.
Inclusive Education and Health Description: The speakers discuss the rising health issues affecting Indigenous people, including diabetes and its complications among youth and children. They emphasize the importance of living a healthy lifestyle through traditional activities.
Preserving the Language Description: The speakers share their thoughts on preserving the Cree language. They reflect on the importance of using the language at home and in the community, staying grounded in cultural activities, and showing resilience in teaching and revitalization efforts.
Traditional Lifestyle Description: In this video, the speakers shared their memories of traditional lifestyle as a child, and discussed how it can promote wellness and well-being in today’s life.
Making Bannock Description: This video features two people in conversation in the Dene language discussing how bannock is made. They role-play each step on how the bannock is made. Real bannock was used as well.
Self-care in the Classroom Description: A teacher notices that one of the students is withdrawn and does not engage in the classroom activities. The teacher talks to the student and learns that the student feels like he is not part of the class and he does not have friends. The teacher helps the student feel better and shows him how to interact with other children.
Checking in at Perimeter Description: A passenger who is checking in at the Perimeter Airlines has as a conversation with the agent about his concerns about his luggage that he needs to check in amongst other things he needs to do. This video is about what usually happens when you check in at an airline when you are going up north.
Kinship 1: All my Relatives Description: Using a poster of family kinship, each family member is identified in the Dene language.
Kinship 2: My Immediate Family Unit Description: Using a poster of the immediate family, maternal and paternal aunties and uncles are identified in a Dene kinship perspective. Siblings and cousins are identified in the same manner.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Long Ago Description: This video features two people in conversation in the Dene language about Christmas Day and New Year’s Day events from long ago, drawing on their childhood memories.
Toy Dishes and Food Description: This video features two people identifying each toy dish and toy food in the Dene language.
Cooking and Serving Using Toys Description: This video features two people role-playing how to cook and serve using toy food and dishes.
Weather Chat Description: This video is about a conversation regarding the weather outside between two people. Self care during the cold season and traveling through snow storms are mentioned in the conversation. They talk about how to keep yourself warm during the cold months up north.
Winter Clothes Description: In this video, a language instructor is teaching students how to name winter clothes; winter clothing we wear today. This is a unit that can be taught in 2 quadrants. The set of color cards totals 20, Language Instructor begins with naming winter socks, t-shirt, pants, toque, cap, moccasins, winter parka, traditional beaver mitts, beaver hat, winter mitts, child’s snow boots, gloves, ski pants, sport sox, sweater, earmuffs, eyeglasses, flannel pyjamas, winter scarf, winter jacket.
Mom’s Hide Tanning Description: In this video, we are briefly sharing a conversation on my mother’s hide tanning processes; the way I used to see my late mother, work on caribou or moose hide. I often watched my mother using a traditional tool made out of caribou bone called a hide scraper, to remove excess meat off as this is the beginning process of working on a caribou hide.
Holiday Trip for Christmas Description: In this video, a person shares about his trip to Australia during the holidays. He shares about some of the things he did while he was over there. He went there in December, so it was very hot during his visit since it is summertime in Australia during our winters in Manitoba.
Body Parts Description: This video talks about the teaching of the human body parts to a student in the primary grades, middle years and high school.
Motivating a student to Stay in School Description: A student is struggling to comprehend the material in school so the teacher has a talk with the student. The student’s struggle has made him feel like leaving school. The teacher talks with the student and helps him see that it will benefit him to stay in school. The student decides to stay in school.
Dream Trip Description: In this video, we are using a question format to talk about a possible dream vocation overseas and the types of things one would like to do, while travelling abroad. In this video, Glen asked the interviewer, where one would like to go in a different part of the world, as one of a dream holiday trip.
Motivating a student to Pursue a Career Description: This video is about a teacher talking to a student who is wanting to pursue a particular career, but he is going through self-doubt. The teacher talks to him after the student tells her about his fears. The teacher helps him believe in himself by talking to him.
Booking a Hotel Room Description: In this video, we shared a conversation on the steps of booking a hotel for a room reservation. The conversation included the steps of making a hotel reservation, the type of room requested.
Health and Wellness Description: In this video, two people are having a conversation about how they take care of themselves. They share with each other about how they go for walks and what they do to take care of their health. Work can be challenging so it is important to practice self-care.
Camping Day Trip Description: Camping, fishing, harvesting blueberries and enjoying the day out on the land.
Berdol Description: Two people in conversation in the Dene language discussing how berdol is made. They role-play each step on how the berdol is made. Berdol is ground caribou meat mixed with onion, flour and eggs and fried into patties. Berdol is eaten with potatoes and vegetables.
Culture Camp Description: Two people share stories about life on the land during the summer. Stories about the hand games, drumming, and living in the tents.
Bannock Making and Tea Boiling Contest Description: Two people are role-playing how they would participate in the winter carnival event called Bannock Making and Tea Boiling Contest.
Emotional Home Description: A student is feeling like he does not have friends, so the teacher has a chat with him. The teacher asked the child questions, and she finds out that the child feels alone at the school. The teacher talks with him and shows him how to feel safe at the school.
Spring Break Description: Two people share about where they would like to go during spring break. They discuss traveling to places in the USA and the Caribbean Sea. One of them shares about their dream to travel to places like South America.
Household Furnishing (Part 1) Description: In this video, a teacher is teaching his or her students, the main parts of household items in a home. Some technology items are a bit challenging because there are household items we use today; we have not used while growing up with grandparents and our parents.
Household Furnishing (Part 2) Description: Story Continues, in this video, a teacher is teaching his or her students, the main parts of household items in a home. Some technology items are a bit challenging because there are household items we use today; we have not used while growing up with grandparents and our parents.
Setting up the Tent Description: Two people are role-playing how they would participate in the winter carnival event called Bannock Making and Tea Boiling Contest.
Life at the Fish Camp Description: Sharing stories about living on the island at the fish camp during the summer.
Taking Care of Mom Description: Knowledge Keeper shares a story about how she gave up a fun night at school to take care of her mother, who was sick.
Ordering at a Restaurant Description: Role-playing about ordering supper at a restaurant.
Winter Weather in the North and South Description: Sharing winter weather stories for both the south and the north.
Introduction to the Language Videos Description: The Anisinimowin team shares their voices about working for this video series project. They overcome the pressure of facing the public scrutiny about their speech that might be not as advanced and pure as Elders’, but they are striving to keep the language active at workplace, at home, and in the community.
Morning Routine Description: In this video, two speakers role play as mom and daughter, reacting the morning routine.
Two Ladies Talking Cradleboard Description: Two ladies are talking about the cradleboards used for their sons. They will share who had helped in making the boards and how much the babies enjoyed them.
Moss Bag Description: After demonstrating their cradle boards, the ladies in this video will show you how to make moss bags, wrap babies in it, and carry them around.
Picking Berries Description: In this video, the speakers shared their memories of picking berries. As you watch, you will enjoy that fun and amusing annotate!
Christmas Description: As Christmas is approaching, the speakers are talking about how they celebrate it and their family traditions.
Ice Safety Description: When the weather gets cold, the river freezes. The speakers talk about safety and their own experiences for getting on the ice.
Summer Activities Description: What do you enjoy in the summertime? The ladies talk about the summer activities they do and swimming stories.
Coffee Break Description: Every day we come to work and we take a break. In this video, the ladies are taking a break from work, drinking coffee and talking about their day and their week.
Head Piece for Baby-Bundle Description: In this video we will learn about the process of making a head piece for a baby bundle. Watch through and join us to appreciate the beautiful fabric and embroidery.
Kinship Description: In this video, you will learn how to call your relatives in Anisinimowin kinship terms.
Bannock Festival (Part 1) Description: Every summer in St Theresa Point, there is a 5-day fun event called the Bannock Festival. Watch this video to learn about it!
Bannock Festival (Part 2) Description: Continuing on the Bannock Festival in St Theresa Point, we will learn about a fun and competitive paddling game in this video.
Fishing Description: The speakers talk about fishing practices and share memories and traditional knowledge connected to the water.
Seasonal Activities Description: Karen and Jasmine chat about their life in St Theresa Point and the activities they often do in different seasons.
Interview with Byron Description: This video interviews the guest Mr. Byron Beardy whose work advocates and promotes Anisinew culture, language, health, and well-being for the younger generations in Island Lake communities. Mr. Beardy will tell us where he was born and raised, his parents and family. And he will also introduce what he does for his job as the kimeechiniman Program Manager on food security.
Byron’s Program Description: In this interview, Byron Beardy talks about his career promoting health and wellness for the Anisinewak in Island Lake. As kimeechiniman (Food Security) Program Manager, he helps people to learn gardening and eat healthy foods using a holistic approach.
High School Experience Description: In this video, three speakers talk about their experiences attending high school outside of their reserves (Wasagamack or St Theresa Point).
Traditional Food Description: In this interview, the speakers talked about the traditional food they have eaten and their childhood stories of hunting, fishing, and trapping.
Family Ties Description: This video explores the importance of family relationships in Anisinew culture. The speakers share how family roles, respect, and kinship shape daily life.
Forrest Fires Description: In the summer of 2025 the wildfire spread rapidly and rampantly in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Manitoba declared month-long state of emergency on May 28th, 2025. The speakers talked about their concerns and shared the impact on their community in Island Lake.
Hunting (Part 1) Description: In this video, Karen and her sister Gwen talked about their hunting trips they used to go with their parents and the children’s trips.
Hunting (Part 2) Description: In this video, Gwen continued talking about his son’s trip hunting geese.
Trapline Description: In this video the two sisters share their experiences going to the trapline: the preparations, the tools and the process of setting a camp, and details spending a few days there.
Where do the Anisininimowin people come from? Description: In this interview, Andy Wood will share what he learned from the Elders, explaining where the Anisinewak people came from and how they came to Island Lake and settled there.
Old Post Description: In this interview, Andy tells the oral history of the trading post in the community that is now referred as the “Old Post”.
Medicines from Anisininimowin Description: In this video Linda and Jasmine talk about the Indigenous plants and medicines grown in Island Lake and how the Anisinewak people use them for healing.
Winter Roads Description: When winter arrives and the lake is frozen, people often drive on winter roads. In this video, the speakers talk about their experiences travelling by vehicles on them.
Square Dancing Description: Every year the Island Lake people from the four reserves (Wasagamack, Garden Hill, Red Sucker Lake, and St Theresa Point) all gather in St Theresa Point and compete at the square-dancing event. Learn more about this event in this video!
When we kill moose Description: In this video, the speakers talk about the community tradition of sharing when a moose is killed.
Sports Activities Description: In this video, the speakers talk about sports and games they played growing up. They share how physical activity brings people together and builds community.
Traditional Transportation Description: How did the Dakota people travel in the past? Horses were important for hauling and transporting goods. They also support healing and overall well-being.
Kitchenette Description: In this video the speakers talk about making bannock outdoors.
Morning Routine Description: “When you get up in the morning, Betsy remembers her grandfather’s teachings: say your morning prayer as soon as you open your eyes. It will bless you with a good day. Then drink a little water because water brings life to everything.
Introducing Yourself Description: In this video Betsy and Angela shared how they received their traditional names at the ceremonies. They also talked about the Dakota countries and communities in North America.
Where are you going? Description: In this video, the speakers talk about travelling and visiting relatives who live far away.
Going for a walk Description: In this video the speakers talk about the plants, berries, and medicines that grow nearby and what they find when they go for a walk.
Bedtime Routine Description: The speakers talk about the routine as children. They also shared their routine while attending residential school.
Clothes Description: In this video the speakers talk about the clothes, dresses, and moccasins they wore when they were children.
Classroom Routines and Rules Description: The speakers talk about strict classroom rules at residential school. They also discuss the importance of traditional lifestyle for living a healthy and good life.
Animals – Skunk and Turtle Description: Do you know that skunk oil can be used as a healing medicine? Listen to the Elders in this video to learn more.
Feelings and Self-Care Description: In this video the speakers talk about observing children at the school and how emotions affect their learning.
Talking over a lunch table Description: The speakers chat about what ate late that day and share which foods they like and dislike.
Health and Wellness Description: Watch this video to hear the Elders talk about why traditional foods and a mobile lifestyle keep the Dakota people healthy and well.
Ribbon Skirts Description: Dakota girls and women always wear dresses. Hear the Elders share stories about the teachings behind ribbon skirts.
Body Part (Part 1) Description: How do you say different body parts in Dakota? You will also hear the Elders share the Dakota teaching that the spirit lives in the head and guides your mind and actions throughout life.
Body Part (Part 2) Description: Story continues, how do you say different body parts in Dakota? You will also hear the Elders share the Dakota teaching that the spirit lives in the head and guides your mind and actions throughout life.
Weather Description: How do they describe different types of weather? How do you say natural disasters such as forest fires and floods in Dakota?
Cooking Outside Description: Listen to the Elders talk about what they cook and eat when preparing food outdoors.
Berry Picking Description: In this berry picking video, the speakers share how gathering berries brings families together and passes on knowledge.
How to care for long hair? (Part 1) Description: Long ago, both men and women wore their hair long. Hair was cut to mourn the loss of a close family member.
How to care for long hair? (Part 2) Description: Story continues, long ago, both men and women wore their hair long. Hair was cut to mourn the loss of a close family member.
How to make tea? (Part 1) Description: The speakers explain how to prepare traditional tea and introduce the plants used.
How to make tea? (Part 2) Description: In Part 2, the speakers continue the tea-making process and explain its uses. They share how traditional tea supports health and well-being.
How to Dry Meat? Description: Drying meat was a common way to preserve food. In this video, the speakers talk about how their family’s processed meat after hunting.
Holidays Description: The speakers explain that holidays are a Western European concept. In Dakota culture, there were no “off-days.” People gathered to sing and dance at Sundances.
Doing laundry using washboard Description: Before washing machines, Dakota people washed their clothes by hand using sand and stones.
Going to school Description: The Elders share their experiences at Residential School. At first, they felt lost because they only spoke Dakota. They copied English words and numbers from the board without understanding their meaning.
Dakota 38+2 Memorial Ride Description: In this video, Betsy talks about the Dakota 38+2 Memorial Ride held each December in Mankato, Minnesota, which honors the Dakota ancestors who were executed on December 26, 1862.
How our school in Woipazoka Wakpa got its name? Description: Betsy explains how the local school received its name. She shares the story and cultural meaning behind it.
How our Dakota communities came about? Description: In this video, Betsy talks about how Dakota communities were formed over time, sharing stories about history, movement, and connection to the land.
