The Sunktanka program of Dakota Wicohan is a 4-H based youth program where the Dakota horse tradition is used to support youth and leadership development. Sunktanka has been in operation since 2002 and was originally developed to address the high rates of violence among Native youth, girls in particular. In 2010, Dakota Wicohan (www.dakotawicohan.com) partnered with Sunktanka in delivering a summer camp that incorporated Dakota language and Dakota horse traditions. It was a success!
In January 2011, Sunktanka became a program of Dakota Wicohan and today, we continue with providing an annual summer camp that combines the two efforts. Several activities include: overnight camps, county fair horse showings and competitions, trail riding, song and dance, gardening, swimming and several Dakota community events and gatherings. The camp is facilitated by Dakota Language Teacher Apprentices.
We also deliver an after-school program, Dakota Itancan Kagapi, the making of Dakota leaders. Again, while the weather is nice, we incorporate Dakota horse traditions, as well as academic tutoring and cultural enrichment activities.
In January 2011, Sunktanka became a program of Dakota Wicohan and today, we continue with providing an annual summer camp that combines the two efforts. Several activities include: overnight camps, county fair horse showings and competitions, trail riding, song and dance, gardening, swimming and several Dakota community events and gatherings. The camp is facilitated by Dakota Language Teacher Apprentices.
We also deliver an after-school program, Dakota Itancan Kagapi, the making of Dakota leaders. Again, while the weather is nice, we incorporate Dakota horse traditions, as well as academic tutoring and cultural enrichment activities.