An Act to to require the display and curricular inclusion of the Woope Sakowin in public schoolsincorporate the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings in public school curriculum.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. That § 13-1-51 be AMENDED:

13-1-51. The Board of Education Standards may shall promulgate rules, pursuant to chapter 1-26, to provide for curriculum and coursework in South Dakota American Indian history and culture that incorporates the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and provides an opportunity for all elementary and secondary students to focus on the history, language, culture, and heritage of the nine Indian tribes in this state.

In meeting the requirements of this section, the board shall consult with the South Dakota Indian Education Advisory Council.

Section 2. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 13-24:

The board of a school district shall display the text of the Woope Sakowin in each classroom in each public school located within the district. The display must be a poster or document that is at least eight inches by fourteen inches. The text of the Woope Sakowin must be the focus of the poster or document and must be printed in large, easily readable font.

The text of the Woope Sakowin must be printed with the following or substantially similar language:

(1) Wacante Oganake: to help, to share, to give, to be generous;

(2) Wowaunsila: pity, compassion;

(3) Wowauonihan: to respect, to honor;

(4) Wowacintanka: patience and tolerance;

(5) Wowahwala: to be humble, to seek humility;

(6) Woohitike: to be guided by your principles, discipline, bravery and courage; and

(7) Woksape: understanding and wisdom.

Section 3. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 13-24:

The following statements must be displayed near any poster or document listing the Woope Sakowin pursuant to section 1 of this Act:

(1) The Woope Sakowin are a set of values that have been a part of Oceti Sakowin teachings since a time predating statehood;

(2) The Woope Sakowin, which means seven laws, have long served as a moral and ethical framework within the Oceti Sakowin community, emphasizing personal responsibility, integrity, and strong family and community values;

(3) Rooted in traditions that have guided generations, the Woope Sakowin teach principles of wisdom, respect, generosity, and perseverance, aligning with ideals of character, self-discipline, and civic responsibility; and

(4) The Woope Sakowin are recognized within this state's educational system through the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings.

Section 4. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 13-33:

Each public school district shall include, as part of the district's history and civics curriculum, instruction on the history of the Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota peoples, and the philosophical principles articulated in the Woope Sakowin displayed pursuant to section 1 of this Act. The instruction must cover:

(1) The Doctrine of Discovery;

(2) Tribal treaties, including the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty; and

(3) The Oceti Sakowin tribal constitutions.