Wakanheza (wah - kah - eé - zha)
literally means “sacred being.”

It is the Dakota word for child, reflecting for all of us what children really are: sacred beings.

- Gabrielle Strong, Grotto Foundation Native Language Revitalization Initiative 

Have you witnessed or experienced a parent's struggle with children's challenging behavior? Are you familiar with feelings of discomfort and intimidation around youth? If so, you may be among those who want to improve these situations, if you only knew what to say or do.

The Wakanheza Project has been teaching individuals agencies, businesses, and communities to use principles that prevent or de-escalate stressful situations in public, creating more welcoming environments for all.

The Wakanheza Project Principles

• Judgment: Recognizing and then suspending our judgments of others.
• Culture: Open ourselves to all cultures and the opportunity to see beyond differences.
• Powerlessness: Understand that most acts of violence arise from a sense of powerlessness, distorting our perceptions of others' actions at times of high stress.
• Empathy and Respect: Embrace our ability to show understanding and offer help.
• Environment: Create environments that enhance people’s sense of being welcomed and cared about.
• The Moment: Free ourselves to do what we can to help others in the moment.

The Wakanheza Project principles can help create healthy, welcoming environments for children, youth, adults, and families in your community.

Strategies to help create welcoming environments:

• Avoid judging: If you approach a situation judging what you perceive to be a badly behaved adult, youth or child, it will be difficult – if not impossible – for you to connect in an understanding and helpful way.
• Assess the situation: If you think you may be able to help calm the situation, intervene early. If you see people in danger of serious harm, alert the appropriate authorities.
• Assess yourself: Quickly decide whether you can step into the situation. If you are ready, then help. If you think you may make the situation worse, find someone who can help.
• Offer assurance through a smile or a positive comment.
• Show empathy and imagine yourself in the other person’s shoes.
• Redirect their attention away from the stressful situation.
• Find something positive to say about the child, youth or adult.
• Offer encouragement about something positive that you see in the situation.

The Wakanheza Project Guiding Principles

Where can you find the Wakanheza Project?

Albany Elementary School

Minnesota Children's Museum

Ramsey County Public Health

The Wakanheza Project concept and logo were developed, copyrighted, and trademarked by Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health.