Westonka Students Explore Dakota Language and Culture with Visiting Author

The Westonka American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) welcomed a special guest on April 30, hosting author and educator Joanne Zacharias for an engaging cultural and literacy experience. Fourteen students from Hilltop and Shirley Hills primary schools participated.

Zacharias, an enrolled member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, is the author of the bilingual children’s book “Taku Wadaka He? (What Do You See?)”, written in both Dakota and English, with illustrations by Steve Smith. She has spent several years teaching the Dakota language and developing curriculum and cultural materials aimed at preserving and sharing Indigenous knowledge.

During her visit, Zacharias read from her book and invited students to participate in an interactive activity centered on observation and reflection. The book features images hidden within a tipi, symbolizing how people may not always see the full picture in the moment.

“The idea is that sometimes we go through life not seeing everything right away,” Zacharias said. “When we reflect back, we’re able to see things more clearly or from a different perspective.”

Students enthusiastically searched for the hidden images as they moved through the story, connecting culture, language, and storytelling in an interactive and memorable way.

In addition to her work as an author and educator, Zacharias is a jingle dress dancer and seamstress who creates ribbon skirts, shirts and regalia, further contributing to the preservation and expression of her culture. She brought several of her creations for students to view.

Westonka AIPAC hosts a variety of events during the school year to provide American Indian students and their families opportunities to build connections and learn about their culture. To learn more, visit the AIPAC page.