Voices from Pejuhutazizi: Dakota Stories and Storytellers

by Teresa Peterson, Walter LaBatte Jr.

A rich trove of stories told by five generations of a Dakota family.

Through five generations at Pejuhutazizi (the place where they dig the yellow medicine), Teresa Peterson's family members have listened to and told stories of events, migrations, and relationships in Dakota history, and stories that carry Dakota culture through tales, legends, and myths.

In the 1910s, Waŋbdiṡka (Fred Pearsall) made notes on stories he heard from Dakota elders, including his mother-in-law, at the Upper Sioux Community in Mni Sota Makoce—Minnesota. In the 1950s, when he wrote them down in a letter to his daughters, his young grandson Waṡicuŋhdinażiŋ (Walter "Super" LaBatte Jr.) was already listening and learning from his family's elders and other members of the community. And then that grandson grew up to become a storyteller.

Teresa Peterson, the great-granddaughter of Fred and the niece of Super, has her own story of finding identity to tell. In this book, she has worked with her uncle to present their family's precious collection. These stories bring people together, impart values and traditions, deliver heroes, reconcile, reveal place, and entertain. Finally, as they bring delight to listeners, they provide belonging and nurture humanity.

Genres: Nonfiction

206 pages, Paperback

Published January 18, 2022

Reviews

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a good look at Native Americam lives from the perspective of Native Americans who passed down their stories to their descendents. It's always a good idea to hear history from various sources.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a story teller. I enjoyed every page of this book. I could sense the importance of these stories and the connections they create through their telling.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection of stories and recollections from Dakota history. It was a good mix of history, humor, happiness, and sorrow.

[Theresa Gienapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really special to read Super’s stories, lovingly curated by Teresa. So much Minnesota and Midwest history that we were never taught, or taught with a much different lens.

[Britta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered this collection of stories for myself and my grad school classmates. I recently read Wilson’s Beloved Child and was struck by the loss of Dakota history and stories. These stories are contemplative, wise, entertaining, and meaningful. Highly recommend this book for anyone.