Wakíŋyaŋ is a Lakota word for "thunder". It also may be a portmanteau which associates "wahka" ("sacred") and "kinyan" ("wings").
The word is usually translated as "Thunder Spirits", "Thunder Beings," or " Thunder Birds". [1] Heyokas, that is contrarians, dream of Wakinyan and can burn cedar ( Juniperus scopulorum) to protect themselves from thunder and lightning, since Wakinyan respect trees and will not harm them. [2]
Filmmaker and storm chaser Martin Lisius produced a short film in 2016 titled, "Wakíŋyaŋ" which honors the Lakota "thunder spirit" Wakíŋyaŋ. [3]