Our Heart & Philosophy - Tiošpaye Wakaŋ

Who We Are

Welcome to the foundational home of our community's story. We approach our sacred spaces, historical backgrounds, and faith with a deep appreciation for nuance, context, and intellectual honesty.

Ate Uŋyaŋpi

The Lord's Prayer in Lakota & English

🎧 Listen: Lakota Lord's Prayer (Recited by Fr. Paul Sneve)

Ate uŋyaŋpi, maħpiya ekta naŋke ciŋ,
Nicaje wakaŋ-lapi nuŋwe.
Nito-kicoŋze u nuŋwe.
Maħpiya ekta nita-wa-ciŋ ecoŋpi kiŋ,
he iyecel maka akaŋl ecoŋpi nuŋwe.
Aŋpetu iyohi aġuyapi kiŋ, aŋpetu kiŋ le uŋqu piye.
Na tona eciŋśni-yaŋ ecauŋ-kiciŋpi wicauŋ-kici-ca-juju-pi kiŋ,
he iyecel wauŋ-ħta-nipi kiŋ uŋki-ci-ca-juju piye.
Na taku wawi-yu-taŋye ciŋ ekta uŋkayapi śni piye;
Tka taku śice etaŋhaŋ euŋ-klaku piye;
Woki-coŋze kiŋ, na wowa-śake kiŋ, na wowitaŋ kiŋ,
hena ohiŋ-niyaŋ na ohiŋ-niyaŋ nitawa heoŋ.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Our Approach

Tiošpaye Wakaŋ is a Lakota Congregation that meets at Calvary Cathedral Sundays at 11:30am. We are a Christian Congregation (specifically Episcopal) and have existed since 1988.

        “Our mission is a sacred bridge. We were founded to honor the Lakota way of prayer within the 
        Episcopal tradition. By designing our worship space to mirror the tipi—with the fire at the center 
        and the altar on the west—we create a home where our relatives can encounter the Divine in a way 
        that feels familiar, ancestral, and deeply grace-filled. We believe that advocating for our local 
        Lakota community means providing more than just a service; it means providing a safe, sober 
        environment for fellowship, healing, and the honoring of every generation.”
      

We use Azilea (sage/sweet grass) to bless the people and the space and begin worship with the Tate Topa Olowaŋ (4 direction song). The Lakota Language is used as much as possible, with English translations always provided. While we utilize the Book of Common Prayer and the Wakaŋ Cekiye Odowaŋ (Dakota Hymnal), our heart remains in the inculturation of the Lakota spirit into our liturgy.

Last year, we became a Parochial Mission, granting us greater independence to continue this vital ministry here in Sioux Falls. Our ministry seeks to advocate for Lakota People who live here, providing a safe, sober environment to worship, fellowship together, and meet other Natives and relatives. Periodically, we provide events that nurture every generation.

📖 View Church Booklet (PDF)

Holding One Another in Prayer

Parish Leadership

Pastor: Fr. Ward
Assisting Clergy: Deacon Barb

We look forward to showcasing the heart behind our leadership team and their vision for our church family.

Who We Are

Welcome to the foundational home of our community's story. We approach our sacred spaces, historical backgrounds, and faith with a deep appreciation for nuance, context, and intellectual honesty.

Ate Uŋyaŋpi

The Lord's Prayer in Lakota & English

Our Approach

Tiošpaye Wakaŋ is a Lakota Congregation that meets at Calvary Cathedral Sundays at 11:30am. We are a Christian Congregation (specifically Episcopal) and have existed since 1988.

“Our mission is a sacred bridge. We were founded to honor the Lakota way of prayer within the Episcopal tradition. By designing our worship space to mirror the tipi—with the fire at the center and the altar on the west—we create a home where our relatives can encounter the Divine in a way that feels familiar, ancestral, and deeply grace-filled. We believe that advocating for our local Lakota community means providing more than just a service; it means providing a safe, sober environment for fellowship, healing, and the honoring of every generation.”