MITAH-koo-ya OYA-shin OAK-ah-pee

Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape is the name for the large open space you walk into in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae. In Dakota, the name means All My Relations Helping Each Other.

On Friday, June 20, RRC Polytech marked an important moment in its journey of reconciliation and relationship-building. We gathered to honour the first anniversary of Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape being gifted to the large open space at 319 Elgin Ave. in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.

This ceremony was more than a celebration – it was a transfer of sacred responsibility. Kunshi Ivy, who had been holding and caring for the name, entrusted it to RRC Polytech by passing it into the care of four selected leaders. Each of them now carries the responsibility to honour the spirit of the name, uphold Dakota Ceremonial Protocols, and ensure the space continues to reflect the values of connection, respect, and shared responsibility.

This is the first time RRC Polytech has received a Dakota name, and it represents an act of trust from the Dakota Nation. Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape is more than just a name on a door; it’s a prayer. It’s a reminder that we are all connected – to each other, to the land, to the past, and to the future. And now, it’s also a living commitment we carry forward together.

To read more about Mitakuye Oyasin Okciyape, check out the MarComm blog.