Wambli Ska Impact

Our mission is to build resilient and powerful relatives, and this begins with Native youth who are integral in leading change in our communities and into the future.

 

Our programs offer stability, identity, and hope for Native youth as they begin to define themselves and learn to navigate their reality. Through these efforts, Native youth are finding their voice and gaining the confidence to express themselves.

We intentionally create space for Native youth to raise their voices, advocate for their communities, and lead with cultural pride. Whether speaking out on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) or legislation affecting Indigenous lives, our youth are driving change locally and nationally.

Through these experiences, they are gaining the skills to become the next generation of leaders, healers, and protectors—reviving their communities from within.

Recent Events:

Wounded Knee 50th Anniversary

During the weekend of the 50th anniversary, Aim grassroots asked Wambli ska to be in charge of security. During this weekend we worked as security for a powwow in rapid city at the club for boys. We watched the stands and served dinner many dancers from all age groups were in attendance. It was a great opportunity for our community to come together.

Our next event was to be in charge of security at another powwow in Wanblee. Another great gathering of great relatives, we helped again with security and also helped serve dinner.

On our last day of our eventful weekend we attended the four directional walk. We started on our walk from the southern end on highway 18, while the other three directions also began on their walk. We walked seven miles from where we started but when we arrived all directions gathered. We walked up the hill as one group and when we got settled at the top we gathered and listened to good words from some of the veterens of the occupation, and listened to a few songs including a prayer song. It was a great way to remember our people and what they stood for 50 years ago and how we still stand behind them.

Black and white photo of a large group gathered outdoors with flags and vehicles
A group of people gathered indoors, seated and standing around a large drum. They appear to be participating in or observing a traditional drumming circle. Some individuals are dressed in colorful attire. The setting is a gymnasium with a blue and gr
A group of people gathered in a gymnasium for a cultural event. Some individuals are dressed in traditional attire. A banner on the wall reads "Indigenous," and an American flag is visible. Spectators surround a central group participating in a drum
  • A group of people sitting and standing in a gathering outside under a cloudy sky, engaging in conversation.

    Wambli Ska brought the drum and singers to Sioux Falls to sing for the people.

  • A group of people gathered outdoors around a man sitting in a red chair, with a clear blue sky and scattered clouds above. The setting appears to be an urban area with some trees, buildings, and parked cars in the background. The group seems engaged in conversation or an informal meeting.

    In the time we were in Sioux Falls we had the chance to sing down at the Banquet for our relatives

  • Group of people seated around a table in a community center, engaged in discussion, with papers and a water bottle on the table. The setting includes additional people in the background and a casual atmosphere.

    Woyotan and Wambli ska sang for all of the pastors.

  • People standing in a church with a large screen above displaying a video of a service. The stage is decorated with plants and religious symbols.

    Wambli ska/ Woyotan representatives were able to sign documents that would give Wambli ska ownership of the land we occupy

  • Aerial view of a church with a red building and a parking lot with several cars. The surrounding area includes trees and distant buildings. There's signage on one building with letters forming a name.

    Our Savior Church also was kind enough to make a video that embodies our mission and our path to complete that mission.

Watch now
A group of people walking on a rural dirt road surrounded by grassy fields and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky. Some individuals are carrying flags.
Group of people jogging on a rural road, wearing matching gray shirts with a logo and red shorts. One person is holding a decorated staff. Green grassy hills and a small building are visible in the background.

The youth and Wambli ska were once again invited to participate in a community event, we attended the freedom run in Pine Ridge, SD. The run was multiple miles and it was very hot that day, we ran for Leonard and he wrote a letter for us that day, He spoke of many things the main thing was how we wanted to plant trees to help out mother earth. The run was an honor to be apart of and to see good relatives. Another great experience for our people and a great time in general.

Group of people gathered outdoors, some wearing traditional clothing and T-shirts with logos. They are standing near a vehicle with flags, under a cloudy sky. A child is holding a small puppy.

Freedom run

A group of people gathered indoors, some wearing shirts with 'American Indian Movement' text. The space includes informational displays and a ceiling fan.

Pipestone National Monument

Group of people standing by rocks and a waterfall, with a young woman in the foreground making a peace sign.
People hiking along a rocky trail with lush greenery and cliff formations under a clear blue sky.

Wambli Ska brought youth to Pipestone National Monument, the only place in the world where sacred red pipestone is quarried. This powerful journey gave them a firsthand understanding of how the Chanupa (sacred pipe) is created—entirely from the elements of the earth. Walking through the quarries, youth saw how deep the pipestone lies underground and learned about the traditional methods used to extract it.

They heard directly from relatives who have worked these quarries for decades, sharing the meaning of the Chanupa and the sacred responsibility tied to its creation. Every youth received a piece of pipestone and was given the opportunity to shape it—some made small charms, others began crafting their own Chanupas.

One truth stood out: everyone currently working in the quarries is over the age of 50. The torch must be passed. This experience helped our youth understand that it’s not just about learning history—it’s about preparing to carry it forward.

The energy in Pipestone was unforgettable. This trip wasn’t just educational—it was transformational. Our youth returned home with knowledge, purpose, and a deeper connection to who they are and the responsibilities they carry as future leaders.

A group of people posing outdoors in a rocky, wooded area. The scene includes large boulders, trees, and natural foliage. The group appears to be smiling and enjoying their time in nature.
A group of people sitting in a circle on foldable chairs outdoors, surrounded by tents and a van. The setting appears to be a grassy camping area. Several adults and children are present, likely participating in a group activity or discussion.
Group of people at a quarry exhibit with a warning sign

Sioux Falls Street Outreach

A group of people sitting in a circle outdoors, playing a large drum. They are dressed in casual clothing and hoodies, with a crowd of people and trees in the background. The setting appears to be a gathering or event in a park.

Wambli Ska partnered with Church on the Street for outreach in Sioux Falls, SD, offering prayer and song for our relatives while meals were prepared and shared. It was a meaningful opportunity to stand in solidarity and bring spiritual support to those in need.

While in Sioux Falls, we joined the family of Jacob James to pray and raise awareness about his unjust killing and the ongoing issue of police brutality. Together, we held signs, stood strong, and showed our presence as a unified voice for justice.

We were also invited by East Side Lutheran Church to share our way of life through the drum. It was a powerful exchange—bringing cultural understanding, respect, and relationship-building into the space.

These moments reflected the heart of our work: showing up for our people, uplifting truth, and walking together in prayer, purpose, and unity.

Group of people posing with a "Wounded Knee '73" banner in front of a building, some holding signs and flags, in a black-and-white photo.
Group of people posing outdoors in black and white
People are standing on a street holding signs with messages advocating for justice for a person named Jacob James. A person in a black hoodie and gray sweatpants holds a sign with 'Justice 4 Jacob James' written on it. A red car and urban buildings are visible in the background.
Group of people standing outside on a cloudy day, some wearing black jackets with a red emblem, one person holding an umbrella. A drum is visible in the center.

Wambli ska went to Colorado to stand in prayer with our relatives to seek justice for the action of cutting off a native mans hair, a native mans hair is sacred to each and every man. The hospital told our relative that the mans hair wasn’t cut at the hospital then proceeded to send them on a wild goose chase just to discover that it was cut inside the hospital. We showed up in prayer and solidarity to peacefully ask for an apology for their actions, we sang all around the drum and held signs to get their attention. In the end we had their attention every window had someone looking out looking at the signs asking for their apology. We went inside to further get their attention to get an apology from the University of Colorado Hospital, they treated us with hospitality and showed kindness as we ate at the hospital cafe. At the end of our peaceful protest the hospital recognized that we would not keep silent at their wrong doings.

Crowd gathered in front of University of Colorado Hospital with flags and posters, black and white image.

University of Colorado Hospital

Group of people gathered outdoors in protest, holding signs with messages including "Justice for Waylin Johnson." The scene is set in a park with trees and a building in the background.
Group of people posing in a park at night with city skyline in the background, some wearing hoodies and jackets, making peace signs and gestures.
Group posing in front of illuminated red monument, outdoor setting at night

Lakota center Shelter for the relatives

Wambli ska assisted Woyatan to provide shelter for the houses relatives this year jus like we did a few years ago before being shut down, this year we have made 70 beds for men and women in our church. we serve 70 meals at breakfast and near 140 for lunch and dinner. Despite the city not condoning our shelter and them trying to shut down our heated military grade warming tents we are still able to take care of our people in their time of need, in one of the coldest below freezing winters we have had. Being able to help them and make sure they have a warm safe spot to sleep is great it makes all of us warriors happy to be here and to be a safe space in a cold world.

Large beige tents set up outdoors beside a bare tree on a sunny day.
Red brick building with a sign on a fence reading 'This is Lakota Land,' surrounded by parked cars and trees.