Wintertime in the Badlands. Photo by NDN Collective.

In this final month of 2025, we are taking time for both reflection and gratitude – reflecting on all that we have withstood and accomplished this year for our communities, for our people, and feeling a deep sense of appreciation for those who supported us during this challenging and transformative time. 

This month, we lift up gratitude for our colleagues, both past and present, whose courage and commitment helped secure a victory against the Grand Gateway Hotel and hold racism accountable in the court of law. More than three years ago, we filed this federal civil rights lawsuit after the hotel denied service to Native people in a blatant act of racism.

Throughout the week of the trial, we took time to reflect on the history of racism in Rapid City, including conversations about the origins of the Lakota Nation Invitational, which was taking place at the same time. These reflections were further strengthened by a powerful dialogue between Nick and Leonard Peltier on NDN’s LANDBACK For the People podcast. Their words reminded us of our collective histories, encompassing both challenges and victories, and how Indigenous resistance has always been connected to our survival.

This month showed us that our struggles are always worth the fight when they are rooted in justice and love for our people. As the year draws to a close, we are called to slow down, to rest, and to care for ourselves and one another, so that we may continue the work of building a more just and equitable world. Relatives, we wish you balance, rest, and renewal in these final weeks of 2025, and we look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with you in the year ahead.

Light projection action at the Grand Gateway Hotel in 2022. Photo by NDN Collective.

After a week-long trial, the jury ruled in favor of NDN Collective and the individual plaintiffs in the federal civil rights class action lawsuit filed in March 2022 against the Retsel Corporation, owner of the Grand Gateway Hotel.

It’s been a long time since we’ve talked about the Grand Gateway Hotel. On December 15th, this particular legal battle against racism in the Rapid City area will pick back up. The trial will begin with jury selection and is expected to last about a week … continue reading

Cars lined up outside the NDN Collective Headquarters for the bison meat distribution as part of the Feed the People Campaign. Photo by Willi White for NDN Collective.

The Bison Box Distribution held on November 21, as part of our Feed The People Campaign, was a tremendous success. This campaign addresses both the immediate food needs of our community while strengthening Indigenous food sovereignty. In partnership with Sacred Storm Buffalo, we distributed 465 boxes, each with 12 lbs of bison meat, to both native and non-native families in need in Mniluzahan (Rapid City).

One of our favorite moments of this event was when two individuals who had already gone through the distribution line returned and asked to volunteer. They shared that they understood the cultural and community significance of this effort and wanted to give back. Moments like these reflect the deep impact of food sovereignty initiatives and our collective care for oic’ihipi sni (those that cannot help themselves). Thank you to all who have supported this campaign so far! We are still working to raise a total of $100,000, and need your help to reach our goal.

Aileen, a year-one Collective Abundance Fund Awardee from Minnesota, shared with us how she used her award to repair her bathroom, kitchen, and the exterior of her home. While the work helped with upkeep and home value, more importantly, it provided a “good shelter and a sense of belonging,” as Aileen put it. Navigating this large-scale remodel led to personal growth, especially around financial management. Through the process, she learned valuable lessons in managing a large amount of money, despite initial mistakes and grappling with mental barriers of fear and shame. For Aileen, the support and Power Building sessions provided to awardees led to an important realization: cultivating a habit of asking, “What’s the why of the buy?” But Aileen shared with us that her biggest lesson learned throughout this process was realizing how important it is to be kind to yourself and be ready to adapt.

Leonard Peltier in the LANDBACK For the People podcast studio at NDN Collective headquarters. Photo provided by Willi White.

When Nick was 13-years-old, he wrote Leonard Peltier a letter. In that letter, he said he would fight for his freedom until the day he is free. In this profoundly personal episode, Nick sits down with Leonard to talk about his journey, his struggle, and what he means to the people. Watch the full episode here.

Madonna Thunder Hawk and her granddaughter march toward downtown Rapid City, SD during the Rise Up Against Authoritarianism march on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Photo by Angel White Eyes

Nick Tilsen and Dr. Valeriah Big Eagle speaking with Brian Brewer, co-founder and Director of the Lakota Nation Invitational. Photo by NDN Collective

Listen to this live discussion about the historical context of combating racism in South Dakota, with NDN Collective CEO and founder Nick Tilsen, Director of Ȟe Sápa Initiatives at NDN Collective, Dr. Valeriah Big Eagle, and Executive Director and co-founder at LNI, Bryan Brewer.

In the sacred Ȟe Sápa, known in English as the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Lakota sacred site known as Pe’ Sla (“pay-SHLAH”) is currently under attack by mining activity.
The U.S. Forest Service is doing everything it can to force through a graphite drilling project, proposed by Pete Lien & Sons, a mining company based in Rapid City, SD. This project is a direct violation of treaty rights via the Constitutional Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868), and if approved, this tactic will be used across sacred sites and protected waterways everywhere.

We ask for your support as we continue to fight against the unjust treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Rapid City. From the charges facing our CEO and Founder to the Grand Gateway Trial, the NDN Legal Fund helps protect our people through both offensive and defensive legal representation in the courts. Learn more about the NDN Legal Fund and our work to provide care for individuals and partners who engage in actions, protests, and cultural activities.

Graphic Art by JayCee Beyale.

For generations, Indigenous Peoples have been preparing for this moment. NDN Collective has built power through grantmaking, storytelling, frontline action, and sustainable investing.

The For The People Campaign is designed to provide critical resources directly to Indigenous communities through our existing grantmaking programs and organizing work to strengthen our movement, enhance the resiliency of frontline actions, and continue making transformative change under this authoritarian administration.