Red Cloud Indian School

With new leadership and a bold vision for the future, Red Cloud Indian School in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota was poised for progress on the school campus. A rich history for the Red Cloud community, or Maȟpíya Lúta in the native Lakȟóta language, rooted the commitment that many held to prioritize strengthening the offerings of the school. Not only does Red Cloud serve to preserve Lakȟóta culture and heritage, but the school also provides the educational opportunities and structure for students to overcome community challenges of poverty, unemployment and geographic isolation.

By engaging the Steier Group for a planning study and subsequent campaign management, Lakȟóta and Red Cloud leadership identified the most pressing current needs and future vision for the school and cultural center that the WIČHÓUŊČHAǦE (Generations) Capital Campaign would address. Needs for the community included: an endowment for hiring and retaining excellent faculty, updating technology, additional transportation for students, building a new athletic facility, renovations on the current campus and building a brand-new cultural center. The Steier Group assisted in crafting messaging that highlighted the unique and moving contribution of Red Cloud Indian School to the greater community and beyond. Through the many in-house services provided including grant writing, graphic design and database analysis, Red Cloud surpassed the Steier Group low-end goal, raising over $17 million and giving this school community the ability to prepare the next generation while honoring the past.