Since September, we have focused our COVID-19 response efforts to continue to provide safe and healthy spaces for our youth who are one of our most vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

We are seeking capital support to complete construction of our inclusive multigenerational  playground located in the Thunder Valley Regenerative Community Development (RCD). The playground will offer a new healthy safe-space for our youth rooted in our Lakȟóta lifeways. 

Our goal is to provide a playground rooted in Lakȟóta language, teachings, and our sacred spaces. Positioned in a central location, our playground is multigenerational, inclusive and accessible by all Reservation community members to engage in a healthy and enjoyable place. 

The safety of children in our community is our priority. Until the current pandemic is under control, capacity will be limited on the playground in accordance with CDC guidelines. With so many stuck inside, we believe that providing an outdoor space is essential to the physical and mental health of families, and for the growth and healing of our community.

The Hésápa (Black Hills) is the center of the universe for the Lakȟóta. The Hésápa and sacred sites are marked in our star knowledge which guides our movement and prayer upon uŋčí makȟá (grandmother earth). Our Ohúŋkakaŋ (distant past) stories describe our sacred sites and how our ancestors emerged onto the earth from Makȟá Oníye (Wind Cave).

All sites are linked by a path that begins in the south of the site at boulders that reference Pté Tȟathíyopa Otȟuŋwahe (Buffalo Gap). It is the start of the annual journey that is traditionally taken to each of the sites. The outer sidewalk—permanently stained red—recalls the story of the Great Race when all the four-legged, two-legged and winged creatures raced against each other around Hésápa until the ground was stained red.

This playground is a first-of-its-kind space that relates to the Lakȟóta understanding of the spatial organization. Our Lakȟóta language will be prominent throughout the playground and will feature customized learning panels as well as on signage that gives directions and discusses significant plants and teachings. This offers opportunities to be exposed to and practice our language in an immersive setting.

The first round of playground construction took place this fall, and was substantiall completed on November 10th. This included three pieces of play equipment, the Red Road, grading and infrastructure, and critical amenities like an access sidewalk, benches, trash/ recycling receptacles, hand sanitizing stations, and a water fountain/ bottle filler.

The next round of playground construction is planned for Spring of 2022. We need to purchase the final pieces of play equipment, fitness equipment, benches, trash/ recycling, shade structure, device charging point, complete the storytelling area, and install the rubberized surface that clearly marks the Lakȟóta annual journey.

Total project cost: $575,000

Funding needed: $385,000

On December 10th, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, our $25,000 match was fulfilled! We are now over halfway to our goal of $100,000!