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Jan 20, 2025

The Power of Language: Maȟpíya Lúta B-Team Wičhíŋčala Basketball Champions

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Lorraina, Gia, Wicahpi, Gracie, Kimimela

Maȟpíya Lúta Big Confernce B-Team Champions

The Maȟpíya Lúta B-Team basketball squad didn’t just have a good season—they had an unforgettable one. With only five players on the roster, they won every single game by more than 20 points and claimed the Bigfoot Conference championship. This is their second year going undefeated as they also won the C-Team Bigfoot Conference championship last year. But the story isn’t just about basketball. For this team, the Lakota language and culture is at the heart of their success.

Four of the five players had been together since they were toddlers, growing up in Maȟpíya Lúta’s Lakota immersion program. “We’ve known each other since we were babies,” said Wicahpi. “We’ve always spoken Lakota to each other. That’s just who we are, and it helps us feel connected.”

Their bond was clear every time they stepped on the court. The team called their plays in Lakota, not just to keep their strategies secret from the other teams but because it was how they naturally communicated. Wicahpi shared a moment that summed up their unique approach: “One time, there were 10 seconds left on the clock, and I yelled, ‘Gracie, Kimi thapa kin k’u!’ (Gracie, pass the ball to Kimi). The other team just froze—they had no idea what I was saying. But I didn’t care because Lakota isn’t just for school. It’s who we are, and it helped us win.”

Their success was about more than just language. It was about the deep sense of community that came from being part of the immersion program. “When I play basketball, I see my teammates as my family,” said Wicahpi. “We’ve been together our whole lives, and our families take care of each other. That’s what makes us strong.”

Gracie echoed this sentiment and gave credit to her sister, who is also her teacher. “My čhuwe (older sister), Sierra, teaches me so much Lakota and helps me use it on the court. She always makes sure I understand everything and helps me not stress. If she wasn’t our teacher, we wouldn’t know as much Lakota. I love her so much!”

For Kimimela, the immersion program gave the team an edge. “Speaking Lakota helps us coordinate better,” she said. “The other teams don’t know what we’re saying, but we always understand each other.”

The players also wanted to inspire younger students to embrace the Lakota language and culture. Gia shared some powerful advice: “Don’t stop learning Lakota. Never let anyone tell you who you are. Speak Lakota proudly, even on the court or the field. When you do, you’re making our ancestors proud.”

Video Courtesy of Cherella Drapeaux

Wicahpi added, “Our ancestors fought for us to speak this language, so don’t be ashamed of it. Speak it everywhere, not just in school. It’s part of who we are, and it can take you far.”

The Maȟpíya Lúta B-Team didn’t just win games—they showed the strength and pride of staying true to their language and culture. Their story is a reminder that basketball is more than just a game; it’s a way to carry their Lakota identity forward and inspire the next generation to do the same.

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Video Courtesy of John Long