A Message from the Executive Director
John Beheler |
Hau, Mitakuyapi. A traditional greeting from all of us here at Dakota Indian Foundation. Spring is finally here and we can look forward to students graduating soon. Over the past few weeks I have been able to attend celebrations held to honor this years graduates. Local powwows were held on the Lower Brule and Crow Creek reservations where traditional leaders were able to tie an eagle feather in the hair of graduating seniors. The custom of tying an eagle feather is borrowed from our ancestors who presented an eagle feather as a symbol of accomplishing a good deed. The Eagle is a sacred symbol for our people as it represents a messenger that delivers our prayers to the Creator and returns with blessings for the people. Spring is also the time when we begin to register kids for Summer camps where they can canoe, fish,
ride horses and listen to Dakota elders convey legends around the campfire. Youth are able to practice
values such as leadership, independence and teamwork. When the day is done, they sleep in traditional tipis just like their ancestors. It’s a wonderful experience that every child deserves. Here at Dakota Indian Foundation, we’re excited about the first summer of tourism traffic that will visit our new Dakota Plains Gallery and Giftshop! Every purchase provides a donation toward scholarships and an economic boost for our Native American artists. Purchases can be made on-line via Pay Pal or better yet, include us in your vacation plans this summer! Finally, we’re meeting our goal of cutting costs associated with printing and mailing! Grants have been submitted to help support our cultural programming and we’re hopeful that gift shop sales will provide a revenue stream that supports economic development efforts. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our recent graduates and our children attending camps! Through our good deeds, we can send a message of hope that this generation of kids will find success and escape the bounds of poverty! Pilamaya (Thank you) for your continued support and hopefully we’ll see you this summer! Visit us on Facebook as well.
83 scholarships have been awarded for Spring 2013 semester. Read student stories.
Overcoming Poverty through Education
At the heart of our mission is the belief that we can overcome poverty through education.
For over 40 years, donors have partnered with the Dakota Indian Foundation to help students pursue an education and career.
Giving Back to Communities
Many students are the first in their family to attend college. It remains our prayer that students are able to return home and help their families and communities. Students attend both private and State Colleges and Universities, as well as local Tribal Colleges.
Dakota Indian Foundation serves Native Americans in South Dakota. Learn more about the South Dakota Tribes.
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