He Sapa Otipi

08/06/2026

On September 25, 2014, “The Buffalo: A Treaty of Cooperation, Renewal, and Restoration” was signed by 8 Indigenous Nations at the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana - the first modern cross-border Treaty among First Nations and Tribes in over a century. This Treaty is a gift extended to all beings, rooted in teachings that span millennia. It is an Indigenous-led, transboundary framework based on reconciliation — not only amongst people but with Mother Earth.

Since then, Nations across Canada and the US have continued to sign on, united in their shared commitment to restore buffalo to the land and renew cultural, spiritual, and ecological relationships. The Buffalo Treaty calls for Indigenous Peoples and the Buffalo to once again live together in relationship with the land, to nurture each other culturally and spiritually.

🗓️ The Buffalo, also known as Bison, Iinnii, Tatanga, Pte, Ptehcaka, Tatanka, Paskwâwimostos, Xaniti, Qwisp, Kamquq̓ukuǂ ʔiyamu, Iyanee’, Heneeceeno', Ésevone, Mushkode Bizhikim, Q̓ʷeyq̓ʷay, Hii3einoon, Boyzhan, ʔíítaanɔ́ɔ́nʔi, invite you to come celebrate the 12th Anniversary of the Buffalo Treaty on Oct. 20-22, 2026, in Ȟe Sápa (Black Hills, South Dakota). The 2026 anniversary is hosted by the Oglala Lakota Nation of the Great Sioux Nation and co-hosted with the International Buffalo Relations Institute (IBRI), NDN Collective, and Tanka Fund.

ℹ️ Visit the Buffalo Treaty website for updates as the event approaches: https://buffalorelations.land/save-the-date-buffalo-treaty-12th-anniversary-signing/

08/04/2026

Rapid City families, Johnson O'Malley will host a school supply distribution this month. Please refer to the flyer for more details!

08/04/2026

08/03/2026

Learn to support mental health in your community

Join us for the Lakota Mental Health First Aid (VIRTUAL) training on August 11-13, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. This culturally-based program, led by S’ina Ikíčču Win/Ethleen Iron Cloud-Two Dogs, empowers participants to help individuals and families overcome trauma and loss.

Hosted by the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board and sponsored by the 988 Program, this training is a meaningful step in building stronger, healthier communities. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/qdjVK_IdTluJk0fzKTmh0A #/registration

07/25/2026

07/17/2026

Security First Bank supports He Sapa Otipi’s Vision for a new Indigenous-hosted Community Center
RAPID CITY, S.D. – He Sapa Otipi is grateful to announce a generous gift from Security First Bank in support of its capital campaign to build a new community center for Native families in Rapid City. The contribution marks an important early investment in a project envisioned for over 70 years and designed to create a permanent place for culture, education, wellness, youth, and adult programming, and broader community connection.

“We thank Security First Bank for acknowledging the need and importance of an Indigenous-hosted community center in Rapid City,” said Cante Heart, Executive Director of He Sapa Otipi. “We are extremely grateful for their ongoing support and encouragement. Wopila!”

Security First Bank echoed that commitment to the project’s long-term impact. “Security First Bank is proud to support He Sapa Otipi and its vision for a new community center
in Rapid City. This project has been decades in the making, and we are excited to be part of helping turn that vision into reality. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this center will have on the community for generations to come.” —- Security First Bank

As the campaign continues, He Sapa Otipi invites businesses, foundations, and community members who want to join in creating a lasting investment in the future of Rapid City.

https://www.hesapaotipi.org/donate

07/12/2026

Thank you to Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Association, Inc. and OST President- Frank Star Comes Out for letting us update the Tribal Leaders at their Quarterly Summer Business Meeting. We are grateful for their continued support and look forward to working with our Great Plains Tribes. Wopila!

07/11/2026

Organizations led by and for Native communities are not observers, we are on the frontlines of change. Every day, we confront and dismantle systems that have caused generational harm. Sustained investment fuels that critical work.

07/11/2026