Dominant Values
of the Dakota/Lakota Nation

Return to:
Previous page
WACANTOGNAKA --  Generosity.  Generosity is something that any real Dakota/Lakota has.  He learns to provide for his family members and relatives, as well as for the needy ones in the Community.  That’s why a person is looked up to.  It’s for his ability to give generously and not count the cost .  It’s better to give a lot than to keep all for oneself.

WOOHITIKA Bravery or Courage.  Taking care of others means that a person must have bravery or courage.  It means having to face hard and difficult things for the sake of others.  Today a person has to have great courage to face bad thoughts and desires inside himself.  It takes courage to make changes instead of running away from problems.  One who put his own life on the line in order to help another deserves great honor and respect.

WOOHOLARespect.  In order for people to live together in peace and unity each one must have respect for the other.  The old ones are respected for their wisdom and knowledge.  They pass wisdom on to the younger ones, because the young are the future of the People.  This attitude also means a reverence for all other things in the world.  All people and things are
relatives.

WOKSAPEWisdom.  The knowledge and wisdom of the old people is important for the well-being of all the people.  They know how to give advice, because they have seen many things happen and change.  Wisdom helps people get along and understand the world around them.  Wisdom helps us see that people are more valuable than material things or money.  The real way to judge a person is to see inside him and learn what’s in his heart.