The Dakota Wicohan youth regalia project started in 2019. Dakota Wicohan, a non-profit organization based out of Morton that aims to preserve Dakota lifeways for future generation, applied for and received a grant from the First Nations Development Institute based in Colorado under their native youth culture fund initiative for youth to make their own dance regalia.
"And that staff here ... would help them and mentor them and coach them through creating that," explained Eileen O'Keefe, executive director of Dakota Wicohan.
"Dakota Wicohan does revitalizing the traditional art forms," said Dory Stands, program assistant at Dakota Wicohan. "Regalia making was one of the art forms and we decided to do the youth and not the adults, just so that we're teaching a younger generation the skills, the sewing skills, and the design and ... what all the pieces are."
O'Keefe said she initially thought there would be 10 spots filled, but "there was such a great interest, we had over 20 youth sign up," she said. "And so we didn't want to turn anyone away or discourage anybody, so we decided we would take it on and we'd find the additional funding."
"My friend actually asked me if I wanted to do it," said Akira, a student in the youth regalia class. "I'm like, 'that sounds like fun and like a little thing we could all do like together.'"
Another student, Ellery said that she doesn't have regalia at home that fits her. "I had an old one from when I was like 7 and that doesn't fit me so I decided to sign up for this and make my own."
O'Keefe said that when COVID hit, Dakota Wicohan had to stop all in-person working. "So it's been awhile and so we're looking forward to finishing up this in the next few weeks. We've actually asked some elders and some parents to come in to help," she said.
One of the elders that came in to help was Ruby Minkel, a member of the Lower Sioux Community. "I said, 'Yes, definitely," Minkel said. "I've been making regalia since I came back here 30 years ago and my grandchildren, is when I started doing it," she said. "I've taught a few of these ladies that are doing it now. I've taught them how to do it and they've got a lot better than me," Minkel laughed.
"My favorite part about like the whole process is just doing it all together and getting to interact with like everyone," said Annalycia, a student in the program.
Stands said that her favorite part of this whole program was seeing all the beautiful designs that the students came up with. "I was just so amazed by how creative they were on their own," she said. "And so it's been amazing to see them come to life."
"I'm always impressed," Minkel agreed. "And helping them in the finished product is always so nice to see the look on their face."
Stand said that she's proud of the work that the girls are able to accomplish. "And now we're towards the end and they want to stay later. Like they want to keep sewing. So that's good."
