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“Oyate Woyaka” Documentary to Be Screened in Three Communities

August 23, 2025

South Dakotans have three chances next week to experience in-person screenings and discussions of a unique 2024 documentary on the Lakota language.

Oyate Woyaka: The People Speak shares the story of the Lakota language’s history, loss, and revitalization as told by Lakota elders. The film touches on the deep history and spirituality of the language, the shocking history that caused Lakota to be on the verge of extinction, and the modern efforts being made to bring the language back to life amidst immense challenges.

With grant support from the South Dakota Humanities Council, filmmaker George McAuliffe spent four years creating Oyate Woyaka with his uncle Bryant High Horse, Jr., a native Lakota speaker. The documentary, which invites viewers to consider the power of language as a force for connection to culture, customs and history, has been shown on South Dakota Public Broadcasting and other PBS affiliates across the nation.

Each of the in-person special events will include a screening of the 60-minute documentary followed by a panel discussion with fluent Lakota speakers:

  • Wednesday, Aug. 27, 1:00 p.m. – Crazy Horse School, 245 Crazy Horse School Dr, Wanblee, SD 57577
  • Thursday, Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m. – St. Francis Indian School, 502 Warrior Dr, St Francis, SD 57572
  • Friday, Aug. 29, 5:30 p.m. – South Dakota Art Museum, 1036 Medary Ave, Brookings, SD 57007

For more information, contact George McAuliffe at georgepmcauliffe@gmail.com or call the host venue.

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