MANKATO, Minn. â When the Childrenâs Museum of Southern Minnesota was still in its early stages, its director at the time sought out Glenn Wasicuna for his thoughts on how the Dakota people could be represented in it.
Wasicuna said he recalled being asked if there was an animal they should use to symbolize the Dakota people. He saw it as a teaching moment, and his response might not surprise those who know him from his work as a Dakota language instructor.
âIf you want to include the Dakota people here, use the language,â he said.
His guidance led to âded yahipi kin wasteâ being displayed at the museumâs entrance as a welcome to visitors.