NE North Dakota News

Students at Spirit Lake's Dakota Oyate Community's Tate Topa Tribal School in Fort Totten, North Dakota, are set to showcase their cultural creativity this spring. They have been designing Dakota ribbon skirts and shirts as part of a project supported by the University of North Dakota (UND) CONNECT grant.

Faculty members Renuka de Silva and Julie Robinson from UND College of Education & Human Development have collaborated with staff and 75 students in the school's after-school program. The initiative combines elements of history, math, art, and Dakota culture into one comprehensive lesson.

The UND CONNECT grant aims to "inspire a sense of wonder, a love of discovery and a commitment to serve" through collaborations that address the needs of tribal nations and the state. De Silva and Robinson highlighted that these garments are worn during cultural gatherings to signify resilience and celebrate Dakota identity.

Dominic Albert, a community speaker and former student, emphasized that preserving Dakota traditions now rests with the younger generation. He joined his father, Elder George Albert, in launching the project with a smudging ceremony. Elder Lorena Brown-Joshua later taught students about the historical significance of these garments through storytelling by Elder Devin Greywater.

The students also watched Brown-Joshua demonstrate garment-making techniques before creating their own designs on paper. These designs will inspire Brown-Joshua as she sews the garments for upcoming fashion shows where students will display their work. Some eighth-graders plan to wear them for graduation ceremonies in May.

Tate Topa staff expressed their desire for this project to enhance cultural knowledge, identity, and pride among students. This aligns well with UND CONNECT’s objectives to offer experiential learning tied directly to community interests.