Owámniyomni ed Dakod wićoh’aŋ makoće kiŋ wóyutećapi (Restoring culture & environment at Owámniyomni)

Barry Hand’s journey is one marked by a deep commitment to language preservation and community development. Hand’s roots growing up in a Lakota language-speaking household laid the foundation for his career. He has taught Dakota language for the past 15 years and, armed with a degree in public policy with a focus on sustainability, has collaborated on program development with institutions like Harding High School and the University of Minnesota. His experiences, from helping to put on the first Dakota Language Bowl in the Twin Cities, to four years at Bdote Learning Center, showcase his dedication to cultural education and experiential learning.

While working for Tinta Wita, Hand spearheaded various programs, including the creation of a winter camp and the building of traditional bark lodges, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished in Minnesota in over 150 years. His philosophy centers around positivity in language acquisition, emphasizing the importance of trying, staying in love with the language, and avoiding harm. Hand’s work getting Dakota language classes at Red Wing High School is notable for its commitment to inclusivity, offering language classes for both heritage (Native) and non-heritage students. This approach has successfully improved relations between the Red Wing and Tinta Wita Communities.

At Owámniyomni, Hand envisions programming as community-driven. His early ideas involve engaging in dialogue with community heritage folks, honoring the Falls for what it once was and what it still is. Program development will be a collaborative process, integrating the desires of both the community and the River.