Dakota Tribe and Their Children

Children in our society have a name and parents but they do not have the respect given to children from the Dakota community. The Dakota tribe believes that before the baby is born, the baby (blessed and of spiritual nature) choose his or her parents. Cense a baby is a gift, the name is very important and the Dakota receive several names throughout their lifetime here on earth. The Dakota are given names from their parents, are given nicknames and given names if they have done a brave act or have a special talent. As you have read children are important to the Dakota, so they treat their children with respect, love, and care and would never physically hurt or abuse their child/ children. Children as punishment would get serious looks at them or even more embarrassing are scolded in front of the village! The Dakota tribe’s children were educated, a boy by his father and girl by her mother but even though it was the parents jobs to educate the child/children, the village was a main part of their growing up. The Dakota were smarter than our society today, because they knew that their children were tomorrow and that even a child deserves the respect from one who is an elder or chief.

By: Amanda Graff

Dakota: The Role of Children

The Dakota believed that children were sacred. Even before a baby was born the mother and father were honored to have him or her in their life. They believed that when a child was born they still had a spiritual connection to the nature of life. Because of this the parents observed the children at play very carefully. Children weren’t asked much of but to do the basic chores such as gathering crops and other little tasks. Children played many of the games that eventually transformed into the sports that people play today. Children of the Dakota tribe were never treated poorly or with physical abuse, but with loving care.

By: Francie Scott

The Roles of Dakota Women

Dakota women were a key part in every day life in the community. They took care of the kids, laundry, cook and clean the house. Dakota women had the right to own their own property. They also were the foundation of the village, tribe, and the family. Since the indian women gave birth, they were held at the highest honor. The indians commonly reffered to nature as "Mother Earth." The dakota women had many thinngs to do with the civilization of the dakotas, even if people didn't acknowledge it.

By: Kevin Jenkins

Marriage: The Dakota Way

There was a variety of different things that composed the marriage aspect of Dakota culture. A young man would court a maiden by attracting attention with his skills or reputation, and if she liked him, they would talk. When the parents believed it was time for a son to get married, they asked one of the grandfathers to give the young man advice. When a young couple decided to marry, they would live together with one of their parents. It was customary for the bridegroom to paint the face of his bride upon her arrival in the dwelling of her future husband. The marriage was then announced at the next dance and the relatives gave away many presents, often holding a large feast. Simply living apart would end marriages, and sometimes the husband announced that he has “thrown her away", meaning anyone was free to court the woman. If he took his wife back it was considered a disgrace, and he would be dropped from the society. This was what made up the marriage culture of the Dakota.


By: Stefan Castelán