Campaign Complete: The TYC is Paid in Full!

The goal of the Tokata Initiative was to fund the construction of the Tokata Youth Center (TYC), a 7,500-square-foot facility that opened in September 2022. Over 460 Native American youths, among the most under-resourced in our Nation, are now enrolled. The TYC provides a safe, stable space modeling biblical principles and Dakota Oyate values, offering tutoring, life skills training, and mentoring focused on holistic well-being.

Today, we celebrate the completion of the Tokata Initiative Capital Campaign—paid in full! Deep gratitude goes to all who helped make this dream for the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe youth a reality. This investment ensures the TYC’s vital work continues, transforming lives daily and providing hope for the future. “WOPIDA TANKA” – THANK YOU!

Rod Vaughn, Executive Director

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    Crow Creek Sioux Tribal Chairman Lester Thompson Jr.
    “As Chairman of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe I fully support the Tokata Youth & Family Center project. I am excited that great progress has already been made. This facility will be of incredible benefit to the youth and families of our tribe.”

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    Brandon Sazue, former Crow Creek Sioux Tribal Chairman
    “My heart is burdened with a desire to see our youth prosper; though they face many challenges on our reservation. As a Tribe, we have limited resources to assist our youth. The Tokata Youth Center Capital Campaign is now underway to raise funds for construction of this permanent facility. Your help is now needed and I strongly endorse and support this campaign. A permanent TYC facility will be used to teach, mentor, feed, train and EMPOWER the youth, allowing them to overcome challenges, and reach their dreams.”

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    Mary-Dee, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Youth
    “Kids come to the TYC to have fun and learn. The TYC helps me grow up to be a person that helps my community. I’m happy when I picture the TYC one day having a bigger building. We’d have our own gym, and more room.”

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    Val Merritt, TYC Cook, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
    “A new Tokata Youth Center is the need of our next and now generation of young leaders in the community. I’m also very excited to be able to work and cook in the new facility kitchen. My passion is mentoring [and] feeding our young leaders healthy meals so they grow to be strong.”