Tribe: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North and South Dakota
6-503. Traditional Law Governing Decisions Affecting Children.
The following traditional law shall be considered and reinforced where the future of a child is decided or influenced, including in processes governed by this Title. Approximate English translations are provided but the Lakota term shall govern.
1. Wocekiya (“faithfulness”) – to believe in and pray to Tunkasila, or Wakan Tanka – the Great Spirit – as the supreme being and power, and as the creator of all that is. Wakan Tanka gave the people seven sacred ceremonies as means of cleansing themselves and seeking guidance and direction from the Great Spirit. The ceremonies, in the order they were given to the people, are: (i) Inipi (purification); (ii) Hanbleceyapi (seeking a vision); (iii) Wiwangwacipi (Sun dance); (iv) Hunkayapi (making of relatives); (v) Nagi Gluhapi (keeping of the spirit); (vi) Isnati Awicalowanpi (womanhood ceremony); (vii) Tapa Wankayeyapi (throwing of the ball).
2. Wa’ohola (“respect”) – for self, high power, family, community, beliefs, and decisions of others and life.
3. Waonsila (“compassion”) – to look after the wellbeing of others, and to share one’s knowledge and materials so that others may prosper.
4. Wowicake (“honesty and truth”) – with yourself, higher power, and others with sincerity.
5. Wawokiya (“generosity”) – helping without expecting anything in return; giving and living from the heart.
6. Wah’wala (“humility”) – we have a spirit, we are equals with others, no better or less than others.
7. Woksape (“wisdom”) – to be sound in mind and to acquire the knowledge necessary to make proper and effective decisions for the wellbeing of the people, especially the youth.
Read Full Text of Title VI Children's Code §6-503