Rural America Initiatives

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Rural America Initiatives Rural America Initiatives (RAI) is an all-Native non-profit organization founded in 1986 to provide opportunities to the Native community in Rapid City.

Our aim is to work with Native American families to give them the tools necessary to be successful. Our goal is a sustainable early intervention program to give power to an Indian community with restricted access to services through increased access to cultural support and community resources. We aim to provide the tools families need to become self-sufficient and raise strong children with paths to healthy futures. We intend to increase awareness of our work locally, regionally and nationally in order to broaden our base of support, continue, grow and evolve successful programs, and be sustainable into the future. An important target population for Rural America Initiatives is families who migrate from a reservation to Rapid City within the year. These families are often the most economically disadvantaged and vulnerable, and the poverty they face is staggering. Native Americans come to the city from the reservation for increased opportunities and a better way of life. Often, however, they find conditions here much more difficult, without the network and support systems of the reservation. We structure our programs like a Tiyospaye (family), grounded in traditional culture and replicating the family support found on reservations. We embrace the philosophy of serving the family through the child, and educating the parents to be the educators of the children. Our goal was and is to develop a new society of Indian men and women, or "Ikce wicasa na winyan" (Common Man and Woman) who work within the community to strengthen our community's families by practicing the values of respect, honesty, language, generosity and courage, and the interconnectedness we have with each other, and with mother earth.

Gnugnuska classroom did an “Erupting Monsters”Halloween science experiment! 🎃 They used baking soda and vinegar to make ...
10/15/2026

Gnugnuska classroom did an “Erupting Monsters”Halloween science experiment! 🎃 They used baking soda and vinegar to make their spooky monsters erupt! 🧪🥼

🍂🎃 The Hanhepi Wi classroom had a lot of fun washing pumpkins today and preparing them for their pumpkin study! Next, th...
10/14/2026

🍂🎃 The Hanhepi Wi classroom had a lot of fun washing pumpkins today and preparing them for their pumpkin study! Next, they will explore what’s inside! 🎃🍂

🌻❤️ A New Beginning for Wakháŋyeža Child Care! ❤️🌻Our Children Are Sacred.This past week marked a special milestone as W...
10/14/2026

🌻❤️ A New Beginning for Wakháŋyeža Child Care! ❤️🌻

Our Children Are Sacred.

This past week marked a special milestone as Wakháŋyeža Child Care officially opened its doors to welcome our children and families!

Our first week was filled with laughter, smiles, new friendships, learning, and exploration. From enjoying healthy meals and playing outdoors to creating artwork and preparing for the parade, every moment reminded us why this work is so important.

As we prepared for the parade theme, “We Dance for the People,” our children had the opportunity to participate in activities that celebrate togetherness, creativity, and community.

We are thankful to the families who have placed their trust in us and to everyone who helped make this vision a reality.

As we begin this new journey, we look forward to nurturing our little ones, building strong relationships with families, and creating meaningful experiences that will last a lifetime.

❤️🖤💛🤍

Here's a glimpse into our very first week! 📸✨

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Parade 🪶🩷 Pilamayaye to all the donors who contributed candy to our program! 🙏🏽
10/10/2026

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Parade 🪶🩷 Pilamayaye to all the donors who contributed candy to our program! 🙏🏽

Our wonderful staff preparing for the Indigenous Peoples’ Day parade tomorrow! 🪶🧡
10/09/2026

Our wonderful staff preparing for the Indigenous Peoples’ Day parade tomorrow! 🪶🧡

Anpetu waste Prenatal to Five Head Start families! Here are some helpful local food resources!
10/09/2026

Anpetu waste Prenatal to Five Head Start families! Here are some helpful local food resources!

🎃 Classroom Gnugnuska did a Sensory Pumpkin Wash Station today! 🎃🫧
10/06/2026

🎃 Classroom Gnugnuska did a Sensory Pumpkin Wash Station today! 🎃🫧

Head Start and Early Head Start families! Please schedule your first Family Partnership of the year with your Family Ser...
10/05/2026

Head Start and Early Head Start families! Please schedule your first Family Partnership of the year with your Family Services Advocate! Pilamayaye!

Anpetu waste Head Start and Early Head Start families! We are excited to announce that we will be using Learning Genie t...
10/05/2026

Anpetu waste Head Start and Early Head Start families! We are excited to announce that we will be using Learning Genie to communicate with families and share learning resources. Through this program, we will be able to share digital learning resources and at-home in kind activities, update you on your child’s learning progress with photos and reports, and provide ways for you to continue enhancing your child’s early learning at home. Please stop in with Family Services during drop off and pick up for assistance! Pilamayaye 😊

Pilamayaye to all the families who attended our Tanyan Gli lunch today! Have a wonderful weekend! 🩷
10/02/2026

Pilamayaye to all the families who attended our Tanyan Gli lunch today! Have a wonderful weekend! 🩷

Address

2112 S. Valley Drive
Rapid City, SD
57703

Telephone

(605) 341-3339

Website

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