Rapid City vs Racism
CAMPAIGNS
RAPID CITY VS RACISM
The Rapid City v Racism campaign focuses on addressing and challenging the systematic structures that create harm through community advocacy, policy change, police oversight, and the creation of community spaces. We seek to address the systemic racism and discrimination against Indigenous People.Ā
Rapid City has been on the frontlines of racism; Indigenous people make up less than a tenth of Rapid Cityās population but made up 44,850 of the RCPDāsĀ 71,771 total arrests in 2022 and 2023. In a 3 year span, Rapid City Police killed 7 people ā all of them were Indigenous (McDermette, 2024).Ā Ā
Since 2001, there have been 79 police-involved shootings statewide with no convictions nor accountability of police officers. 75% of the fatal shooting victims were Indigenous People. This pattern of practice by law enforcement used to target our communities and kill our Indigenous relatives must stop now!Ā
Our commitment to justice and community safety drives our demand for a DOJ investigation into the Rapid City Police Department.Ā Our vision reimagines public safety, where community-led initiatives and supportive, non-punitive services replace targeting, over-policing, mass incarceration, and racial discrimination in South Dakota. This approach not only aims to stop the ongoing violence inflicted by the police state but also fosters a safer, more just environment for all community members.
CONFRONTING RACIST PROSECUTORIAL RHETORIC
Nick Tilsen, NDN Collective Founder & CEO
In 2023, Nick Tilsen pulled over to conduct a routine cop watch where a Native unhoused relative was being stopped by Rapid City Police (RCPD) in Rapid City, South Dakota.Ā
A year later from that cop watch, Nick received notice that he was being charged with aggravated assault and obstruction of a police officer from the incident. There was no physical harm caused to any officer in this incident, and there is video evidence that proves Nick is innocent.Ā
Nick is being systematically targeted as an Indigenous movement leader, local prosecutors intentionally sought out the police officer named in this case and encouraged him to press charges. The charges brought against Nick are false and inflated to criminalize, silence, and ultimately isolate him from his community through imprisonment.Ā
Nick is being targeted by RCPD because he has unapologetically stood on his values and has called for accountability and justice for people harmed by police in Rapid City. This is a continuation of the American legacy of vilifying Indigenous people and the legal system targeting and over-criminalizing Indigenous movement leaders.Ā
NDN Collective has been pushing for a federal investigation into the Rapid City Police Department for over 3 years for this exact issue. This fight is bigger than just Nick Tilsen. Itās about protecting movement leaders, movement organizations, and our right to free speech and to demand justice for those harmed by colonized white supremacist systems and structures.Ā Ā
Nick is a devoted father, son, uncle, spiritual helper, mentor, and leader respected by his elders, the broader movement, and Indigenous Peoplesā. This is his legacy – they won’t define or diminish it.Ā
This is a violation of constitutional and human rights.Ā Here is how you can help:
Legal battles are expensive! We are seeing an increase in the use of Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) lawsuits and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges against movement organizers and organizations. This attack on Nick Tilsen and the NDN Collective is a part of the larger strategy to silence organizers, drain critical resources, and drown out movement-led narratives.
Contribute to the NDN Legal FundĀ
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS RESOURCES
- Visit the NDN Know Your Rights Website
- Downloadable KYR Resources
- Join the Know Your Rights Network to receive the latest updates on trainings, resources, and Nick Tilsen’s case proceedings.Ā
ONGOING PROJECT: The WIÄAKTEPI Remembrance Garden
The term WIÄAKTEPI, meaning āthose who are killedā in Lakota, reflects the solemn dedication of this space to not only mourn the unjustly lost but also to galvanize community action against systemic injustices.
Through projects like the WIÄAKTEPI Remembrance Garden, we emphasize the importance of remembering those lost to systemic injustices while actively working to prevent future tragedies. Through these efforts, we seek to transform public safety to truly reflect and protect the values and needs of our community.
The WIÄAKTEPI Remembrance Garden seeks to create a physical space for remembrance and visible reflection on the impact of racist policing practices. Taking lead and inspiration from fellow community efforts across Turtle Island to remember our loved ones while holding systems of law enforcement accountable.Ā
The reception and unveiling of the WIÄAKTEPI Remembrance Garden was held on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at NDN Collective headquarters.