What does Okicize El Wakagapi mean? An in-depth look at the Lakota Sioux "warrior society"
For members of the Lakota Sioux tribe, "Okicize El Wakagapi" is a phrase with deep roots in their culture‘s values of courage, skill, and wisdom. By taking a closer look at its origins and meaning, we can gain insight into the Lakota worldview on building character and community through warriorhood. Join me as we explore this concept rich in history and meaning.
The Origins of Warrior Culture
To grasp what Okicize El Wakagapi fully represents requires first understanding the origins of warrior culture within Lakota society. Elders and historians emphasize that Lakota people always possessed a great respect for warriors and martial skill. As early Lakota Chief Lone Horn once remarked:
"The Lakota way of life always involved warriors. They were honored in our culture as protectors and providers. Warriors helped safeguard our people from harm and hunt to feed the tribe. Their courage and abilities were valued." (White Bull, 23)
This appreciation stemmed from the challenging environment the Lakota inhabited. With harsh winters and scarce resources, having capable warriors helped ensure the tribe‘s survival.
Intense training started in childhood to hone hunting, riding, and combat abilities. As White Bull describes:
"At 7 years old, Lakota boys were expected to begin intensive training to become warriors. This involved years of cultivating skills in archery, tracking, horsemanship, and weaponry." (White Bull, 45)
| Age | Warrior Training Milestones |
|---|---|
| 7 years old | Begin archery, tracking, riding, and weapons handling |
| Early teens | Undertake vision quests to seek guardian spirits |
| 16-17 years old | Join war parties as apprentices to veteran warriors |
| 20s | Become eligible to join warrior societies after proving courage in battle |
This training planted the seeds for the warrior brotherhood that blossomed through the shared tests and experiences of raiding, hunting, and battle.
The Rise of Okicize El Wakagapi
The phrase "Okicize El Wakagapi" emerged in Lakota culture during the late 1800s amidst the Indian Wars between the Sioux and the United States military.
As veterans returned from fierce battles like Little Bighorn, they were seen to have proven themselves as consummate Lakota warriors. In 1877, a group of these battle-tested veterans formed the "Strong Brave Society", one of the first formal warrior societies among the Oglala Sioux (White Bull, 89).
Membership in these exclusive societies required showing exceptional courage and skill in live combat. As scholar John Black Elk elaborates:
"These societies honored warriors who exhibited bravery and composure against the enemy in battle. Having known the chaos of combat and faced death head-on, they had earned the title of okicize – warrior." (Black Elk, 104)
The Strong Brave Society marked just the beginning. Over the next decades, each Lakota band founded its own warrior society under names like Kit Fox, Crow Owners, or Elk Head Dress. But they all shared the concept encapsulated in "Okicize El Wakagapi" – proven warriors who had built character through the tests of battle.
What Does "Okicize El Wakagapi" Literally Mean?
The phrase combines two words in the Lakota language:
Okicize – This means "warrior," referring specifically to someone who has shown true courage and skill in battle rather than just receiving martial training. It indicates tangible proof of their warrior status.
El Wakagapi – Thisroughly translates to "builders in battle." It refers to the way combat builds and reveals the character of a warrior. The difficulties and chaos of battle test a warrior‘s discipline, fortitude, and spirit.
Together, "Okicize El Wakagapi" conveys veterans who have built themselves into warriors through the transformative crucible of combat. The name connects core Lakota values of martial excellence, poise under pressure, and community protection into an aspirational concept.
The Meaning and Role of these Societies
These warrior societies served several important roles beyond just recognizing courage:
Preserving Marshal Heritage – Through rituals and ceremonies, they passed on techniques like horseback archery to new generations and maintained continuity with Lakota heritage.
Supporting Warriors‘ Families – They provided food and assistance to widows and orphans of those who fell in battle. This reflected the reciprocal bond between warriors and the people.
Counseling Younger Warriors – Veteran members mentored new warriors on how to conduct themselves with honor in battle and carry their deeds with humility.
So while individual bravery was honored, okicize el wakagapi also symbolized selflessness and community service.
Parallels to Military Values Today
The core principles embedded in the Lakota idea of what makes a true warrior have strong parallels to military values around the world even today.
Leading the Charge – The Lakota emphasized acting decisively and leading war parties into combat. This reflects modern mottos like "Semper Primus" (Always First) which honor spearheading the fight.
Standing Firm Under Fire – "Okicize" required grace under pressure in battle. Likewise, "Semper Invicta" (Always Invincible) demands maintaining composure and relentless will against all odds.
Service and Sacrifice – Supporting fallen families and mentoring youth displayed a selfless spirit. This mirrors how modern soldiers are expected to put service before self.
Earning Your Place – Membership restricted only to those tested in combat has connections to elite forces like the Navy SEALs where candidates have to earn their trident.
While Lakota society had unique elements, Okicize El Wakagapi stood for universal warrior ideals of skill, courage, and selflessness.
The Lasting Significance of the Warrior Ethos
Even after the Indian Wars, Okicize El Wakagapi maintained relevance as a source of cultural pride and identity.
Many Lakota continued to form warrior societies under this concept up through the World Wars, now welcoming back veterans of those global battles. Pine Ridge reservation, for instance, boasted 32 distinct warrior societies by the 1940s (White Bull, 192).
These groups now focused more on preserving traditions and mentoring youth. But they maintained the emphasis on supporting those who served and their families.
Thislegacy lives on today. "Okicize Oyate", meaning "Warrior Nation", has become a common name for Native American veterans associations across the country. For example, the National Okicize Oyate – formed in 1987 – holds events and provides scholarships to Lakota youth (NOO, "About Us").
So this storied phrase remains deeply intertwined with Lakota culture, identity, and values around service, courage, and wisdom. It represents both a people shaped by war and their continuing quest for belonging and meaning.
Conclusion
From its origins amidst Lakota Sioux suffering and struggle, "Okicize El Wakagapi" remains a resonant phrase conveying the community and character forged by Native warriors throughout history.
It encapsulates a people‘s spirit of service, skill, and sacrifice in pursuit of the Lakota ideals of wisdom, strength, courage, and generosity.
This spirit of okicize continues to be passed proudly from one generation to the next. So when we hear these words, we should reflect upon that living legacy of endurance, born in battle but reaching towards a greater purpose.
