Teresa Peterson - Voices from Pejuhutazizi: Dakota Stories and Storytellers

DAKOTA STORIES AND STORYTELLERS

Teresa Peterson and Walter LaBatte Jr.

The publication of this book was supported through a generous grant from the Elmer L. and Eleanor Andersen Publications Fund.

Text copyright 2021 by Teresa Peterson and Walter LaBatte Jr. Other materials copyright 2021 by the Minnesota Historical Society. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For information, write to the Minnesota Historical Society Press, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, MN 551021906.

Unless otherwise credited, all historic photographs were provided by the authors and all contemporary photographs were taken by Karen Odden.

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Manufactured in the United States of America.

10987654321

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International Standard Book Number

ISBN: 978-1-68134-184-2 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-68134-185-9 (e-book)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021946451

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CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Wopida ta ka eciciyapi!

There are so many I owe a debt of gratitude for making this over-due project a reality. Many thanks to: Ann Regan, for her clever cajoling, dedication, and patience; Darlene St. Clair, for her writing retreat space; my Native Womens Writing Group, especially Gabrielle Tateyuskanskan, who asked those tough questions; the late Francis Country, for those pivotal words; Diane Wilson, for brainstorming, providing feedback, and cheering me on; Tom Peacock, Heather Peters, Nora Murphy, and Mary Peters, for review, feedback, and encouragement; Bruce White for early archival documents; Jay, my rock and partner; Ma, who kept me connected to place and relatives. And to CerisseI hope you can see this from the spirit world. Wa na abdustan!

Utuhu Cisti na Wi , Teresa Peterson

I wish to thank my relative Eric Olson and the many others who have provided me with information on our familys genealogy over the last thirty yearsyou know who you are! Also Bruce White for fact-checking support. I am especially grateful to all those elders of my youth who shared their stories with me. Wopida!

Wa icu hdina i , Walter LaBatte Jr. de miye do.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Teresa Peterson is a planner, evaluator, gardener, and writer. She is Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota and a member of the Upper Sioux Community.

Walter LaBatte Jr. is an artist who tans hides, makes drums, beads moccasins, and prepares pasdayapi. He is Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota and a member of the Upper Sioux Community.

Voices from Pejuhutazizihas been typeset in Minion, a typeface designed by Robert Slimbach. It is inspired by late Renaissance-era type and designed for body text in a classic style.