Students from the Oceti Sakowin Community Academy gather around the drum at their annual end of the school year ‘Moving on’ ceremony. Photo by Angel White Eyes for NDN Collective.

As summer comes to a close, we acknowledge the start of school for Indigenous students everywhere and send prayers for a good year of education. We also hold immense gratitude for a summer of ceremonies, gatherings, and deep connection with community that sends us on into cooler months with full hearts and grounded minds. 

In our August Newsletter, we share highlights from the past month, including our 5th Annual Backpack Giveaway, the grand opening of Sacred Storm Buffalo— a loan relative we are proud to support– and a call to continue to support our dear elder Leonard Peltier as we remain steadfast in fighting for his freedom. –All of this, and more.

Thank you for continuing to build Indigenous power with us.

Indigenous students show off their new gear at the 5th Annual Backpack Giveaway. Photo by Angel White Eyes for NDN Collective.

On Friday, August 16, Hundreds of students and families gathered at the Journey Museum in Mniluzahan, AKA, Rapid City, South Dakota, for the 5th Annual NDN Collective Backpack Giveaway. Children in grades K-12 had the opportunity to receive a free backpack loaded up with NDN Collective swag including hoodies, t-shirts, headphones, water bottles, and school supplies. This event was held the Friday before the first day of class for Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS) and serves as a chance for students to prepare for the academic year ahead in a good way. 

Members of NDN Collective, Makoce Agriculture Development, Wambli Ska Okolakiciye, and Tanka Fund pose during the check presentation with the team of Sacred Storm Buffalo. Photo by Angel White Eyes for NDN Collective.

NDN Collective joined dozens of community members and partner organizations for the grand opening of Sacred Storm Buffalo. The new workforce development enterprise’s mission is to create sustainable futures through food sovereignty and cultural preservation. NDN Collective is excited to support the work of Sacred Storm Buffalo with a $1.6 million investment through our Indigenous designed power-building loans.

Sacred Storm Buffalo was established in partnership between Wambli Ska Okolakiciye, Tanka Fund, and Makoce Agriculture Development, with support from NDN Collective. Through each of these organizations, Sacred Storm Buffalo will develop a meat processing apprenticeship and cultural education program for young leaders, training them in traditional food systems and culturally relevant food choices.

Photo Courtesy of NDN Collective

NDN Collective sent a delegation to uplift Indigenous issues at the DNC – from calling for a free Palestine, landback, and executive clemency for Leonard Peltier at the Coalition to March on the DNC; to participating in Chicago Dissenters panel StopCopCities: Domestic Warfare and Decolonization; to helping people make the connection between the occupation Indigenous people on Turtle Island have been living under for over 500 years and the genocide being carried out in Gaza. 

“It is clear the Democratic party expects Indigenous people and other systemically oppressed peoples to rally behind them without question –  which is a huge mistake,” said Janene Yazzie, Director of Policy and Advocacy at NDN Collective. “Democrats are simultaneously pouring billions of dollars into the presidential campaign and, as of this week, an additional $26.5 billion into the genocide in Gaza – all while ignoring issues their base actually cares about.”

Light Projection that states ‘No Poisonous Mining in the He Sapa‘. Photo by Willi White for NDN Collective.

NDN Collective joins community members in Custer, SD to oppose the F3 Gold Exploration Drilling or “Newark Project” in the Black Hills. This board will outline organizing strategies as well as support a lawsuit against the Forest Service for rapidly approving the project despite opposition from affected communities.

NDN Collective Headquarters in Rapid City, SD. Photo by Angel White Eyes for NDN Collective.

NDN Collective provided a statement in July following the shooting at a Trump rally. 

“During this uncertain time, we are channeling the strength we get from our ceremonies, from our elders, from being on our lands. We will not rest until all people have the space, time, and resources to heal, connect, and thrive. We must continue to hold our ground, organize, and keep each other safe. We will continue to build towards the future all peoples and all of sacred life deserve.” 

Image courtesy of NDN Collective.

KOTA Territory news covered NDN’s involvement in a community board opposing the Newark gold exploration project in the Black Hills. #FUF3

Lorenzo Serna, Director of NDN Tactical Media Team, operates the camera as another episode of NDN Live commences. Photo by Willi White for NDN Collective.

NDN was LIVE at the #MarchOnDNC on the traditional homelands of the Council of the Three Fires, as well as the Ho’Chunk, Meskwaki, Sauk, and Miami Nations [Chicago, IL]. The March, which started at Union Square was hosted by a coalition of organizations led by people living on Turtle Island that are fighting for exploited and oppressed people.

NDN was LIVE in Cameron, AZ on August 2 for the Walk Against the Illegal Transportation of Uranium on the Navajo Nation. On July 30, 2024 a uranium company named Energy Fuels hauled its materials through the Navajo Nation and was stopped and escorted off Navajo lands by the Navajo Police Department by order of Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren.

On July 16, 2024  in Milwaukee, WI, Columbus Ohio Police shot and killed Samuel Sharpe Jr. A vigil was set up by the community and loved ones at the spot where Samuel Sharpe Jr. was shot. Hundreds marched that same night calling for justice for Samuel along with a vigil and a tribute by the Black String Triage Ensemble.

NDN was LIVE on July 18 at the rally for justice for D’Vontaye Mitchell, and Samuel “Jah” Sharpe Jr. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The rally is organized by the families of Samuel and D’Vontaye and the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

Relatives and supporters rally in front of the Federal Building in Rapid City, SD to show support for Leonard’s freedom on June 27. Photo by Angel White Eyes for NDN Collective.

Leonard’s parole was denied. Help keep Leonard’s spirits up by sending a letter to him today using the link provided below.