Despite Federal Chaos, Our Work Continues

At Sicangu Co, we are not immune from the impact of federal politics and the chaos of the funding freeze and cutbacks. In fact, as an Indigenous organization working to address social inequities, the programs that may have aligned with our work are likely in the crosshairs of this hostile administration.

The past few weeks have brought about new challenges and caused our team a lot of stress and anxiety. But despite the chaos brought about by the current administration, our work must go on. While this is true for all of our teams, nowhere is that more true than at our Lakota immersion school – which is partially supported by a grant from the US Department of Education.

At Wakanyeja Tokeyahci, our commitment to revitalizing the Lakota language and culture is unwavering. Next year, we will open our doors to more students than ever before, proving that Indigenous-led education can thrive through political uncertainty.

Every day, our students engage in immersive Lakota language experiences, strengthening their Indigenous identity while excelling academically. We instill pride in their heritage, ensuring they understand and value their cultural roots while also preparing them for their future. Emphasizing emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, we create a nurturing environment that fosters holistic wellness.

While federal funding is uncertain and the Department of Education faces political threats, our future is not defined by instability. Instead, our sustainability is built on the strength of our team, community, and funders who believe in our long-term vision and impact.

Federal grants certainly have their place. Over the years, they have been a key funding mechanism for launching new initiatives. Among the efforts that wouldn’t have been possible without federal support are our food sovereignty initiative, Wolakota Buffalo Range, our learning and development department, and – of course -- Wakanyeja Tokeyahci.

However, federal awards come with heavy budget restrictions, onerous reporting requirements, and are typically only short-term solutions. The entire process has always been fragile, transactional, and asymmetric in power – traits which have been brought to light under the current administration.

At Sicangu Co, our sustained success is made possible by unrestricted, multi-year funding. These flexible investments allow us to adapt, innovate, and grow.

When we found out about the federal funding freeze and threat to funds that we’ve already been awarded, we knew we had to adapt. Unrestricted funding has allowed us to move funds between projects, invest in our organizational capacity, and set aside reserve funds to fill any gaps.

Despite increased funding in recent years, Indigenous communities in the US continue to receive a disproportionately small share of philanthropic dollars at less than 0.36% of total giving. (NDN Collective: “Meeting the Moment: A Call to Radically Transform Philanthropy for Indigenous Communities”) Native-led organizations are forced to fight for the crumbs of a system of wealth that was amassed on the stolen land and erasure of our people.

Now, more than ever, the world needs Indigenous-led solutions that embrace the values of relationships, reciprocity, and long-term thinking, but we need the funding to allow our solutions to continue to shine.

Here are a few ways we can make that possible:

• Everyone

  • Call your federal officials and voice your opposition to the dismantling of the Department of Education.

  • As difficult as it may be, tell stories and experiences of how the actions of the current administration are impacting you, your family, and your community.

  • Give unrestricted funds to the organization that matter the most to you

• South Dakota Residents:

  • Call South Dakota legislators and ask them to support legislation that would allow accredited, community-based schools like Wakanyeja Tokeyahci to access per pupil funding to alleviate the need for constant fundraising (South Dakota Educational Equity Coalition is doing great work on this)

• Philanthropy

  • If there ever were a time to increase giving – it's now! We’d love to see all foundations giving at least 10% of their assets on an annual basis.

  • Provide multi-year funding that allows organizations to engage in long term planning.

  • Make all of your grants unrestricted!