The project features 12 posters, each representing a month of the Gregorian Calendar in the Dakota language. Each poster includes the Dakota word for the current month, its phonetic pronunciation, and the English translation, along with the corresponding month in the Gregorian Calendar. Additionally, the poster showcases artwork by artist Holly Young, illustrating the activities or significance of that month. A QR code on each poster links to the Library Archives, offering more information about the project, the artwork, and the contributors involved in the creation and implementation of the posters.
Disclaimer: While the traditional Dakota Calendar includes 13 moons, this project uses a 12-moon format to align with the Gregorian Calendar. This adjustment was made to highlight the contrast between the two systems, acknowledging the historical significance of the 13 moons in Dakota culture while recognizing the influence of colonization and assimilation in adapting to the 12-month calendar.
This project aims to promote indigeneity (Indigenous identity), sustainability, and community. My initial vision was to create signage around campus that 1) prompts reflection on the land, the seasons, and the cyclical processes of nature, and 2) raises awareness and provides representation for the people and languages that have long been part of this region. In an era where many of us work primarily in offices or on computers, students often overlook the natural world beyond our academic environment. We tend to measure time in terms of ‘semesters,’ ‘months,’ and ‘school years,’ rather than through the lens of the natural world’s cycles. This project’s purpose is to foster a dialogue within our campus community about the environment, as well as Lakota, Dakota, and Ojibwe languages and cultures. It aims to enhance our campus environment and create a supportive space for Indigenous students.
