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Mni Wichoni Health Circle
Mni Wichoni Health Circle
  • Mission
  • Oyáte Oyúwitaya Community Coalition
  • Our Team
  • Our Impact
  • Programs
  • Blog
  • COVID-19 Resources
Mni Wichoni Health Circle
Mni Wichoni Health Circle
  • Mission
  • Oyáte Oyúwitaya Community Coalition
  • Our Team
  • Our Impact
  • Programs
  • Blog
  • COVID-19 Resources

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mniwichonihealthcircle

Last week our community held an Indigenous Games s Last week our community held an Indigenous Games series taught by Jeremy Red Eagle and LaVerne White Bear.  Participants were invited to pray, play and craft materials to use while teaching practical life skills. These cultural practices helped us develop coordination, cooperation, strength and physical health.  Some of the games included: 

Tasiha uƞpi (Foot bone game)- This game helped with hand eye coordination.  It would also help to pass the time on long winter nights. 

Caƞkawacipina (Spinning tops and whip)- Young men or boys game. Competitions were usual mode of play.  Obstacle courses were developed to 
make a more challenging game.  Two boys might also battle each other to see who could knock the other ones top off of balance.

Tahuka caƞhdeṡka (Hoop and arrow)- The center of the hoop is called the cante (heart). If this is speared this is worth the most points.  Anything speared on the outside of the center is one point.  This game was usually played by older men. 

Takapsicapi(Lacrosse)-
Long ago this game would be played on fields a minimum of 300 yards and as much as a mile in distance from goal to goal. This game was used for conflict resolution, wagering, healing and also just for entertainment. 

#mniwichonihealthcircle #indigneousgames #learning #lakota #dakota #hoopandarrow #lacross #spinningtopsandwhip #footbonegame #standingrock
Iyuskinyan Wachinyankapi! (Great to see you all!) Iyuskinyan Wachinyankapi! (Great to see you all!)
In grow zone 4,we are in the height of our gardening season. Here are helpful reminders of how we can tend to our spaces as land stewards and cultivate food and good health for our relatives. 

1. Harvest vegetables:  Harvesting summer vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and beans can be checked for ripeness regularly and harvested as needed.

2. Watering: Your plants need water, especially during hot and dry spells.  Make sure to water deeply and avoid wetting the foliage to minimize plant diseases.

3. Weeding: Remove weeds from your gardens to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water.

4. Fertilizing: Try to apply a compost tea to your garden to replenish nutrients in the soil.  Be sure to follow the instructions on the product for proper application.

5. Pruning and deadheading: Trim back any overgrown or unruly plants to maintain their shape, encouraging healthy growth. Deadhead flowers to promote continuous blooming.

6. Pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for aphids, powdery mildew, and tomato blight. Take necessary steps like using organic pest control methods or fungicides, if required.

7. Start planning for fall crops: Research and select suitable cool-season crops such as lettuce, spinach, kale, and radishes. Plan and prepare is key.

8. Soil care: Consider adding compost or organic matter to your garden beds to improve the soil structure and fertility. Work it into the top few inches of soil.

9. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.  This can be done after the soil has warmed up and plants are established.

10. Assess and adjust: Take some time to evaluate your garden's performance so far. Note successes and failures and make adjustments for future plantings.

Remember, the specific tasks may vary depending on the plants you are growing in your garden.  Always refer to the individual requirements of your plants and local weather conditions for more accurate guidance. Please use this to inspire and support your gardening journey.  We are here for you if you'd like more info or seeking support.
Chanphasapa Wi- Moon of Ripe Chokecherries (7.17.2 Chanphasapa Wi- Moon of Ripe Chokecherries (7.17.2023 to 8.15.2023)

As hunters/gatherers, the Lakota and Dakota people gauge seasons by the types of food they could find.  During this moon, the chokecherries were ready for harvest, to be processed into our traditional foods like wojapi, or wasna.

#mniwichonihealthcircle #morethanhuman #plants #chanpha #chanphasapa #chokecherries #traditionalfoods #summer #bloketu #transition #mooncycle #medicine #lakota #dakota #northernplains #prairies #northdakota #southdakota #newmoon #moonwhenchokecherriesripen #transitions #chanphasapawi #shifts #13moons #13moonphases #lakota13monthcalendar
Chanpha- Wozapi oyul waste. Chokecherry wozapi tas Chanpha- Wozapi oyul waste.
Chokecherry wozapi tastes good.

Chokecherries (Prunus virginiana) are significant to the people of Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires) nation. Chokecherries hold cultural, historical, and culinary importance within their communities. Chokecherries are a versatile fruit that can be consumed fresh or processed into various culinary preparations. They are often used to make jams, jellies, syrups, and sauces. The berries are also utilized in the preparation of traditional foods, such as wasna or wojapi. Chokecherries have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties. They were consumed as a tea or incorporated into herbal remedies to treat various ailments such as sore throats, stomachaches, and colds. The berries are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. The berries are utilized in the preparation of traditional foods, such as wasna or wojapi. Chokecherries are a versatile fruit that can be consumed fresh or processed into various culinary preparations. They are often also used to make jams, jellies, syrups, and sauces.  They serve as a reminder of their ancestral connections, traditional knowledge, and the importance of maintaining their cultural practices. The gathering and preparation of chokecherries are often communal activities, fostering a sense of unity and comradary within the nation. The sustainable harvesting and utilization of these berries promote a respectful relationship with the land and demonstrate the importance of environmental stewardship within their communities. Please enjoy this recipe for Chokecherry wojapi from our land steward, Della No Heart.
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Photography by

Leah Kolakowski
Tekpatl Kuauhtzin

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