Mináǧi kiŋ dowáŋ (My Spirit Sings in Dakota): a Zitkála-Šá Opera is a cinematic opera that tells the remarkable story of Zitkala-Ša, a Yankton Nakota woman.
Created by an all-Native team and all Oceti Sakowin singers, this film entrancingly captures Zitkala-Ša’s legacy, from her boarding school days to her iconic Sun Dance Opera, and her activism in Washington D.C.
Through Dakota words and original music, this 30-minute film challenges and decolonizes the traditional boundaries of opera and shows the possibilities of Native storytelling.
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for the premiere screenings in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth in October-November 2022.
On the Road Film Tour:
American Indian Magnet School, MN | May 17, 2023
Prairie Island Indian Community, MN | May 20, 2023
Racing Magpie, Rapid City SD | July 22, 2023
Oglala Lakota ArtSpace, Pine Ridge SD | July 23, 2023
Yankton Reservation, SD | August 30, 2023
Dahl Arts Center, Rapid City SD | November 25, 2023
Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield WI | July 21, 2024
Zitkála-Šá
Zitkála-Šá was a writer, musician, educator, and political activist. She was one of the most influential people in the country during the early 20th century with multiple published works, performances in the Oval Office in 1900, wrote an opera in 1913, and co-founded the National Council of American Indians in 1926.
Through stunning cinematography, visual illustrations, and music, the opera leads audiences through some of the most pivotal moments of Zitkála-Šá's life. Additionally, almost a third of the libretto is translated and sung in Dakota.
Cast & Team
Creators:
Sequoia Hauck (Anishinaabe & Hupa), artistic director & film director
Lyz Jaakola (Fond du Lac Anishinaabe), composer
Hannah Johnson (Anishinaabe-Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe), librettist
Moira Villiard (Fond du Lac direct descendent), visual artist
Kelly M Turpin, executive producer
Cast:
Jagger Ripley-Jaakola (Arikara/Anishinaabe/Santee descendant)
Jaysalynn Western Boy (Bdewákhaŋthuŋwaŋ k’a Thíthuŋwaŋ/Thíŋta wíta oyáŋke)
Adrienne Zimiga-January (Oglala Lakota)
Lorna “Emmy” Her Many Horses (Sicangu and Oglala Lakota, Citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe)
Instrumentals:
Franco Holder, pianist
Lyz Jaakola (Fond du Lac Anishinaabe), flute
Marco Real-d’Arbelles, violinist
Oshkii Giizhik Singers, hand drums
Jenni LeGarde (Anishinaabe-Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe), rehearsal pianist
Production Team:
Courtney Cochran (Anishinaabe), film editor
Marino Spencer (Dinė), sound engineer
Thomas Draskovic (Húnkpapha Lakhóta/Wahpé Khúte Dakhóta), music director
Shandelle Friedman (Fond du Lac Anishinaabe), audio recording tech
Šišóka Dúta (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate), translator
Summer DuMarce (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate), consultant
EXPLORATION
While we immerse ourselves in the ongoing journey of this production we invite you to come along with us!
Learn more about the artist and activist who inspired this creation and get a behind-the-scenes look at how we’re learning to decolonize the process as we go.
Sequoia Hauck, Artistic Producer and Film Director for Zitkála-Šá, is creating a documentary series alongside AOT that offer an inside look at what the creation process has been like. Check out episodes 1-3!
DIY COLORING PAGE
Give yourself space for some creative downtime and enjoy this coloring page designed by our visual artist, Moira Villiard.
Who is Zitkála-Šá?
This engagement is supported by the Arts Midwest GIG Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from Minnesota State Arts Board.
This production is supported by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation and John T. and Elizabeth C. Adams Arts Fund
This project is made possible with financial support from First Peoples Fund, a national values-based organization that honors and supports the Collective Spirit® of First Peoples artists and culture bearers.