Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation facts for kids
The Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation, also known as Chanupa Wakpa, is a community of Indigenous people located in western Manitoba, Canada. Their name, Chanupa Wakpa, means 'Pipestone River', named after a special pipe found near the river. This First Nation lives on the Oak Lake Reserve - 59A. There's also a smaller piece of land, 59B, located north of 59A near Scarth, Manitoba.
The people of Canupawakpa speak the Dakota language, which is part of the larger Siouan language family. They are connected to the Great Buffalo Nation Dakota. This community is known for keeping its culture and language strong, and they have close connections with other Dakota First Nations nearby, like the Birdtail Sioux First Nation, Dakota Plains First Nation, and Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. The main part of their reserve is surrounded by the Rural Municipality of Pipestone.
Understanding Dakota Territory
The Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation's reserve is located in what is called unceded territory. This means that the land was never given up or sold to the Canadian government through a formal agreement or treaty.
Treaties and the Dakota People
In Canada, many First Nations signed agreements called Treaties with the government. These treaties often involved sharing land and resources. However, the Dakota people, including the Canupawakpa First Nation, did not sign these treaties with Canada. This means their traditional lands, like the area covered by Treaty 2, were never formally surrendered.
Keeping Culture Alive
The Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation works hard to keep their traditions, language, and way of life strong for future generations. They value their heritage and the connections they share with other Dakota communities.
