Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings
Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards Instructional REsources
This Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings document is dedicated to the Elders and educators from the past whose vision and wisdom created a pathway for the students and communities of South Dakota to grow their understanding of the culture, language, and wisdom of the people of the Oceti Sakowin now and well into the future. Original OSEU author, Dottie LeBeau said, "This isn't just for our Native young people, it's for all of us. It's for native people to learn about themselves and others to learn about their neighbors." As this is the second "Re-Visioning" and "Re-Affirming" of this important work, it is also the first time that a new generation of Elders and educators have engaged with the content and future direction of the original document without the presence of original writing team members. The work of that original group lives on through this new generation as they affirm and continue to guide and direct the pathway of this work into the future.
2025 Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards
ARchived Resources
This section is preserved for historical and archival purposes. Users should be aware that links within the documents may no longer be operational or maintained.
2018 Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards
Archived Instructional Resources
A Guide to Tribal Nations: Oceti Sakowin Homelands
Archived Introduction
In 2008, the Oceti Sakowin core concepts were developed by a team of educators and experts in culture, history, oral traditions, and language that collaborated with the South Dakota Department of Education. The team had identified the core concepts that focused on the essential to understanding and teachings of the Oceti Sakowin history and culture. Upon completion of this phase of development in August 2010, another team began to develop the essential understandings. The work was designed to provide compatibility to the South Dakota social studies standards. The essential understandings captured the core concepts that were identified at the beginning of the project. Indicators, standards, and activities were written to provide a framework for additional work and various forms of implementation. Culturally appropriate work created by other sources was identified to support suggested activities. The Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards are used in schools across South Dakota. They provide a foundation for teaching about the history and culture of the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires).
OSEU 1: Lands & Environment
Week 1
Week 2
OSEU 2: Identity & Resiliency
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
OSEU 3: Culture & Language
Week 6
Week 7
OSEU 4: Kinship & Harmony
Week 8
Week 9
OSEU 5: Oral Tradition & Story
Week 10
Week 11
OSEU 6: Sovereignty & Treaties
Week 12
Week 13
OSEU 7: Way of Life & Development
Week 14
Week 15
OSEU Language List Resources
Language List 1
Language List 2
Language List 3
Language List 4
Language List 5
Language List 6
Language List 7
Language List 8