Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation (Tatanka Najin Dakota Oyate)
I am married, but my husband died
With fifteen kids to raise
Through adoption, through giving birth
Building family is our way
Stand Buffalo Dakota Nation
Tatanka Najin Dakota Oyate
To go up on the hill and pray
To find out what we must do
On the Red Road the elders say
There’s no one on earth like you
Who am I? What shall I do?
Stand Buffalo Dakota Nation
Tatanka Najin Dakota Oyate
I delivered babies on my own
With women on the reserve
As a midwife I surely know
The circle of life turns and turns
Through this life we surely learn
Stand Buffalo Dakota Nation
Tatanka Najin Dakota Oyate
Inviting others into your home
To share your thoughts with them
To be with on your own
To be good to all your friends
With everyone there is no end
Stand Buffalo Dakota Nation
Tatanka Najin Dakota Oyate
Words & music by Larry Long
Copyright Larry Long 2015 / BMI
*Lyrics collectively written with students from Regina, Saskatchewan through Elders’ Wisdom, Children’s Song program.
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