By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise

Reverend Clifford Canku has devoted nearly his entire life to ministry, serving within the Dakota Presbytery to mentor and guide future generations of spiritual leaders. The Dakota Presbytery is a network of 60 churches across South Dakota, including 21 regional Dakota congregations in Indian Country, and the state’s oldest continuously operating church, First Presbyterian Church, located just north of Flandreau.
Recently, during a visit to Flandreau to lead another round of spiritual training, Canku was not only celebrated for his lifelong work but also honored with a traditional elk quilt.
The quilt, which holds deep cultural significance, will serve as his burial covering — his expressed wish for the end of his life, in lieu of a casket or cremation.

“Reverend Canku is ready to continue his journey in the spirit world,” said Reverend John Burshiem, reflecting on Canku’s preparation for his passing.
Canku has faced serious health challenges in recent months. Artist Mike Weddell of the Yankton Sioux, knowing Canku would be in Flandreau, traveled to present him with the quilt.
Weddell’s artwork incorporates important symbols: the four directions, Black Elk’s teachings, and the Oceti Sakowin — representing the Seven Council Fires, which encompass the Dakota nations.
The proper name for the Sioux people is Očeti Šakówiŋ (Och-et-ee-shak-oh-win), meaning Seven Council Fires. The original Sioux tribe was made up of these seven fires, or bands, each representing kinship, dialect, and geographic proximity.
At a small gathering at First Presbyterian Church, where the gifting ceremony took place, Canku spoke to the significance of the church and its connection to those who came before.
“Your blood comes from all these people who suffered because of being Dakota, and they suffered because they wanted to steal our land, our resources, everything,” Canku said.
“But there is always good and bad in everything. They also brought us the Bible, and so today we are using God’s word to influence our life to better ourselves in terms of our spirituality, our faith, to strengthen our faith and rededicate our lives so that we can walk closely with God and honor our ancestors who left us this life to live.”
Reflecting on his role as a spiritual leader, Canku added, “I feel very privileged, and I honor them to try to do the best I can and be an honorable man.”