Native Words and Places

South Dakota’s first people influenced some of the state’s language and most important spots. Just as Native culture remains vibrant today, the legacy of the Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Sioux language can be felt across the state. Keep reading to learn some of these words and see how they connect to some of the best places in the state.

mní-ȟaȟá (Water Waterfall)

Falls Park

131 E Falls Park Dr., Sioux Falls

Word: ȟaȟá
Definition: waterfall

Word: mní
Definition: water

That's right. Located in eastern South Dakota, Minnehaha County is home to both Sioux Falls (South Dakota’s biggest city) and Falls Park, whose flowing waters led to the somewhat redundant combination of Lakota words that created the county’s name.

tȟatȟáŋka (Buffalo)

Tatanka: Story of the Bison

100 Tatanka Dr., Deadwood

Word: tȟatȟáŋka/tatanka
Definition: buffalo

Many came to learn the word "tatanka" through “Dances With Wolves,” the 1990 Oscar winner that was filmed at locations in Spearfish Canyon and Sage Creek Wilderness Area in western South Dakota. While the Lakota word "tatanka" means "buffalo," South Dakotans tend to use the words "bison" and "buffalo" interchangeably, especially for events like the annual Buffalo Roundup. Near Deadwood, Tatanka: Story of the Bison features 17 life-size statues showing three Native riders pursuing bison. There's also an on-site interpretive center, gift show, snack bar, and movie costumes from "Dances With Wolves."

Mato pahá (Bear Mountain)

Bear Butte State Park

20250 Hwy 79, Sturgis

Lakota Word: matȟó/ mato
Definition: bear

Lakota Word: pahá
Definition: butte/hill/mound

Legends about the creation of the 4,426-foot-tall Bear Butte vary, but most agree the laccolith butte was created when a giant bear fell into deep slumber. At Bear Butte State Park, visitors can hike to a four-state view amongst trees adorned with prayer cloths and other religious offerings. That's because Bear Butte is considered by many of the area's Native tribes.

Mako šíčA (Land Bad)

Badlands National Park

25216 Ben Reifel Rd., Interior

Word: mako
Definition: land

Word: šíčA
Definition: to be bad

Influence: Curious how Badlands National Park got its name? Wonder no more. Early inhabitants called the area “mako šíčA” (“land bad”) because of its rugged terrain, extreme temperatures, and lack of water. Today, the otherworldly collection of buttes, spires, canyons, and pinnacles make up 244,000 acres of this unique area that boasts views, trails, and plenty of wildlife.

Sica Hollow State Park

44950 Park Rd., Sisseton

The word “šíčA” (pronounced shee-chah) also led to the name of Sica Hollow State Park, a scenic forest in northeast South Dakota believed by early Native visitors to be evil. Their opinion was likely influenced by iron deposits that made the water appear "blood red," and phosphorous in rotting tree stumps that gave the wood a glowing green color. Some folks still believe the place to be supernatural. For most, it's a place to experience summer strolls or brilliant fall colors in northwestern South Dakota.

Was a wak pa’la (red stream)

Vermillion River, Vermillion

Phrase: was a wak pa’la
Definition: red stream

Influence: There are a few different theories about how the Vermillion River got its name – maybe the red willows that line the banks, maybe a translation confusion. Regardless, it stuck, resulting in the city of Vermillion in southeastern South Dakota. Vermillion is home to the National Music Museum as well as one of the state’s top universities, meaning there are plenty of good places to grab a bite or a drink. But the area has even more history.

pahá wakan (spiritual mound)

Intersection of Highway 19 and 312th St, Vermillion

Word: pahá
Definition: mound/hill/butte

Word: wakȟáŋ/wakan
Definition: spiritual

At the nearby Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, the Lewis and Clark Expedition checked reports of tiny people with large heads that allegedly carried sharp arrows to protect their mound. No one’s spotted the little devils, but many take in the wide open view that comes from a short hike to Spirit Mound’s peak.

pahá sápA (Black Hills)

Black Hills National Forest

Western South Dakota

Word: pahá
Definition: hill/butte/mound

Word: sápA
Definition: to be black

Influence: Being covered in evergreen trees make the hills appear black, leading the Lakota to name the area that’s now known as the Black Hills National Forest. Several tribes consider the area to be hallowed, with the Sioux and Cheyenne both believing it to be the sacred center of the world. Today, the Black Hills is a place full of scenic drives, iconic monuments and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Heȟáka Sápa (Black Elk Peak)

Custer State Park

Word: heȟáka
Definition: elk

Word: sápA
Definition: to be black

At the peak of the mountain that now bears his name, a nine-year-old named Black Elk had a profound vision. Since then (and likely before), the area in Custer State Park has been a sacred place to many. Located in Custer State Park, the peak reaches the highest elevation between France and the Rockies, rewarding hikers with a multi-state view and, often, a tremendous sense of peace. Atop the peak is a 1938 stone fire tower and some small grassy areas perfect for a breath or a snack to celebrate one of the best hikes and views in the country.

ȟé sápA wačhípi NA oškáte
(Black Hills Powwow)

THE MONUMENT

444 N Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City

Word: ȟé
Definition: mountain

Word: sápA
Definition: to be black

Word: wačhípi
Definition: powwow

Word: oškáte
Definition: celebration

The Black Hills Powwow has become one of the premier Native cultural events in the United States. Over three days each year, the event attracts hundreds of dancers, singers, and artisans as well as thousands of spectators from across the continent. Intricate regalia, traditional songs, powerful dances, and more combine to make the Black Hills Powwow the ultimate Native celebration in the state.