Wolakota

 

Wolakota is a word that carries deep meaning for the Lakota people. Literally, it is formed from wo and lakota. The root lakota comes from la—a term of endearment—and kota, an old word that evolved into koda, kona, and kola, all of which mean “friend.” When joined with wo, the word takes on the sense of practicing friendship. Wolakota therefore describes the act of creating peaceful, caring, and enduring relationships with one another.

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Beyond this literal meaning, Wolakota holds a broader interpretation. It is a call for unity among the people, a way of affirming that friendship and kinship must be practiced to achieve peace. Each dialect of the Oceti Sakowin retained its own identity while sharing in this deeper principle of Wolakota. It represents harmony and balance among the people and with all living beings.

 

Wolakota is also understood as a treaty—an agreement or sacred pact to ensure peace and cooperation. For the Lakota, Wolakota embodies the spiritual and cultural foundation for how relationships, alliances, and treaties should be honored: with respect, compassion, and unity.

 

At its heart, Wolakota is more than a word—it is a way of life, guiding us to live in peace, friendship, and mutual respect with each other and the world around us.