November 12 ·
 Today we'd like to remember 63 Standing Rock ancestors who served as Wanáhma Wóglakapi (Code Talkers), using our Dakota/Lakota language to encrypt military communications during the two World Wars.
These warriors fought bravely and selflessly for what they believed in. The majority served during WWI at a time when Native people were still not even recognized as citizens. Many Code Talkers took their secret to the Spirit World, for the project wasn't declassified until the late sixties.
In 2008, the Code Talker Recognition Act was finally passed, and to date recognizes and honors individuals from 33 indigenous nations, including ten other Dakota/Lakota nations.
The 63 Standing Rock Code Talkers received their Congressional Medals posthumously at a 2013 ceremony in Fort Yates and a 2017 ceremony in Wakpala.
Hená óhinniyan wicháunkiksuyapi kte. (We will always remember them.)
Source: Standing Rock Language and Culture Institute (Facebook Page) Bismarck Tribune Article - ND Code Talkers Given Medals World War I Veterans Honored at International Pow Wow Ceremonies in Honor of Native American Code Talkers "Sioux Code Talkers of World War II" by Andrea M. Page, a grand niece of John Bear King a book about seven Sioux Code Talkers |
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