Henry Pendleton (Dakota): “It’s In Our DNA To Be Warriors”

By Dan Ninham (Oneida)

Akíčhita is ‘warrior/protector’ in the Dakota language.

Wičhóthi awáyaŋyakapi is ‘look after/protect the community’ in Dakota.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a combat sport. It is very physically demanding and athletes must be skilled in various martial arts and fighting styles. There are countless hours of physically grueling training and competition involved. 

“I am an Amateur MMA fighter in the 170 lb. welterweight division,” said Henry Pendleton. “I am from Cansayapi, ‘where they paint the trees red,’ and we are a Dakota tribe in Minnesota. ‘Damakota’ means I am Dakota.” 

“Marc Pendleton is my father and Becky Larsen is my mother,” said Henry. “Both of my parents are members of Cansayapi. They are both Dakota. Both of my parents reside on the Cansayapi reservation.” 

“It’s in our DNA to be warriors,” said Henry. “Each generation we are passed down the teachings of how our ancestors were warriors and how we fought and persevered through challenge. Coming from a traditional Dakota upbringing, it’s always been passed down to be a warrior. Being a fighter isn’t just about going out there and going to war. It isn’t just about the combat. It’s being there for and taking care of your family. Being there for and taking care of your children. Taking care of the elders and the community.” 

“Everything we do is given full effort. No half-steppin’. With a lot of our teachings there’s the importance of humility. I try to remain humble by keeping to myself and putting in work everyday. I try to keep grinding, improving and staying true within myself,” added Henry.

“My family and my daughter Odessa Pendleton influence me to be who I am,” said Henry. “My daughter keeps me focused. She lets me know if I’m not just doing this for myself. Even through training and the weight cuts, she keeps me light and motivated.” 

“My spiritual leaders influence me,” said Henry. “They keep me on the right road. If I slip up or question what I’m doing they’re there to keep me going in the right way.” 

“A lot of my favorite fighters and influencers that I’ve watched growing up like Nick Diaz, Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, and Bruce Lee. A lot of the things they did that seemed small or forgettable to others, always really stood out to me. Their hard work ethic, what they stood for, their mentality, and what they brought to the sport,” added Henry. 

“I come from a small reservation,” said Henry. “There wasn’t a lot to do but get in trouble or play sports. Even though it is a small reservation in an isolated area, there is a lot of drugs. I had a lot of family members get caught up in the criminal justice system and fall victim to drugs and alcohol. My father was in and out of prison throughout my upbringing. My mother was often controlled by her addictions. I had to find a healthy outlet and something to spend my time that wouldn’t lead me down the same paths. 

I was always into basketball and did well throughout my career. That’s one of the most popular sports around most reservations.”

“I was always getting into fights. My mother signed me up for the tribal boxing club.

Boxing wasn’t always the thing to do in the area, but it’s where I started fighting for sport. When I found out I could fight without getting in trouble, it opened the door to MMA,” added Henry. 

“Currently my amateur record is 3-1 in the Welterweight division, 170 lbs.,” said Henry. “I’m not sure what I’m ranked, I try not to get caught up in that. I feel appreciative that I was able to play a part of MMA coming back to Cansayapi. It’s been awhile since they’ve had fights there and being a part of that return felt great.” 

“I think it’s a great avenue for our men and women and boys and girls to learn discipline and revive that warrior spirit,’ said Matt Roberson, President of the Association of Combative Sports Commissions and Executive Director of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Boxing Commission.

“The biggest advantage is the pride and hope MMA brings to the community,” added Matt.

Dakota Language Credit: Dakhota iapi okhodakichiye 

Photo Credit: Jesse Kelley