Wasi'chu

Wašíču is the Lakota and Dakota (known collectively as the Sioux) word for people of non-indigenous descent,^[1] with derogatory connotations. It expresses the native population's perception of the non-Natives' relationship with the land and the native population. Typically it refers to white people,^[2] but does not specifically mention skin color or race. The term "black wasichu" has been historically used to describe a person of African descent, and a Native American who adopted non-Native ways could "make himself over into a wasichu."^[3]

"Wasicun" means non-Indian.^[1] The Lakota word for "taking the fat" (wašin icu)^[2] is spelled and pronounced similarly, and it is used by natives in puns to refer to non-Natives who collectively rob tribes of their resources.^[1]

In Dakota, Wašicu also means the English language.^[4]

In popular culture

Oglala Lakota leader Black Elk (1863—1950) used the term freely in his book, Black Elk Speaks, referring to European-Americans who spoke dishonestly.

"Wasichu" is a fifth season episode of the television series Law & Order: Criminal Intent, about a lobbyist and Indian gaming.^[5]

Washichu is also a rock band from New Orleans, Louisiana.^[6]

Notes

References

• LaFontaine, Harlan and Neil McKay. 550 Dakota Verbs. Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2005. ISBN 978-0-87351-524-5.
• Simcikova, Karla. To live fully, here and now: the healing vision in the works of Alice Walker. Lexington Books, 2006. ISBN 978-0-7391-1160-4.
• Staub, Michael E. Voices of Persuasion: Politics of Representation in 1930s America. Cambridge, UK: University of Cambridge Press, 1994. ISBN 0-521-45390-9.