Our work began in 2005 when Romero Institute staff met with Lakota leaders in South Dakota. The Lakota identified two issues that stood out above all others: land and children. The men told us of a long history of treaty violations, military defeats, forced relocation, broken promises, and systemic corruption that have resulted in the loss of their most sacred lands. The women talked to us about the children, and grandchildren, and a virtual epidemic of young ones being removed from their homes, their families, and their traditions—a problem so widespread that it has decimated the generation charged with carrying the Lakota culture forward.
Over the years our work has gone through several phases. After an initial phase of discovering the magnitude and severity of the challenges in Lakota country, we worked with our staff and allies to develop a long-term, holistic vision. What emerged were seven strategic objectives:
We believe that this comprehensive set of goals forms a template for the renewal of Lakota government and culture…for a rebirth as the Oceti Sakowin Oyate—People of the Seven Council Fires. And it all starts with rescuing the children. Any genuine attempt at renewal must begin there.
Legend has it that has when Crazy Horse was a young man he went on a vision quest to Sylvan Lake in the Black Hills.
Strategic Objectives
Our work began in 2005 when Romero Institute staff met with Lakota leaders in South Dakota. The Lakota identified two issues that stood out above all others: land and children. The men told us of a long history of treaty violations, military defeats, forced relocation, broken promises, and systemic corruption that have resulted in the loss of their most sacred lands. The women talked to us about the children, and grandchildren, and a virtual epidemic of young ones being removed from their homes, their families, and their traditions—a problem so widespread that it has decimated the generation charged with carrying the Lakota culture forward.
Over the years our work has gone through several phases. After an initial phase of discovering the magnitude and severity of the challenges in Lakota country, we worked with our staff and allies to develop a long-term, holistic vision. What emerged were seven strategic objectives:
We believe that this comprehensive set of goals forms a template for the renewal of Lakota government and culture…for a rebirth as the Oceti Sakowin Oyate—People of the Seven Council Fires. And it all starts with rescuing the children. Any genuine attempt at renewal must begin there.