Understanding Our History and Shared Journeys.
Welcome to the foundational home of our community's story. We approach our sacred spaces, historical backgrounds, and faith with a deep appreciation for nuance, context, and intellectual honesty.
Tiošpaye Wakaŋ is a Lakota Congregation that meets at Calvary Cathedral Sundays at 11:30am. We are a Christian Congregation (specifically Episcopal) and have existed since 1988. “Our mission is a sacred bridge,”. “We were founded to honor the Lakota way of prayer within the Episcopal tradition. By designing our worship space to mirror the tipi—with the fire at the center and the altar on the west—we create a home where our relatives can encounter the Divine in a way that feels familiar, ancestral, and deeply grace-filled. We believe that advocating for our local Lakota community means providing more than just a service; it means providing a safe, sober environment for fellowship, healing, and the honoring of every generation.” We use Azilea (sage/sweet grass) to bless the people and the space and begin worship with the Tate Topa Olowaŋ (4 direction song.) The Lakota Language is used as much as possible, with English translations always provided. While we utilize the Book of Common Prayer and the Wakaŋ Cekiye Odowaŋ (Dakota Hymnal), our heart remains in the inculturation of the Lakota spirit into our liturgy. Last year, we became a Parochial Mission, granting us greater independence to continue this vital ministry here in Sioux Falls. Our ministry here in Sioux Falls seeks to advocate for Lakota People who live here, providing a safe sober environment to worship, fellowship together and meet other Natives and relatives. Periodically, we provide events that are good for every generation
View This Season's Church Booklet Here.
Pastor: Fr. Paul Sneve
Assisting Clergy: Decon Barb
We look forward to developing this section further to showcase the heart behind our leadership team and their vision for our church family.