OUR INITIATIVES

At Thunder Valley, we believe that it is only through a whole community approach that our people can truly heal and move forward. By working with many aspects of Lakota life through our eight initiative areas, we aim to lift the Oglala Lakota tiospaye by addressing the various, yet interconnected, aspects our peoples’ lives.

  • Food Sovereignty

    Our Food Sovereignty Initiative is a multifaceted set of programs and partnerships working together to create a sustainable and viable food system on the Pine Ridge Reservation. 

  • Housing and Home Ownership

    Our Housing and Homeownership Initiative provides our people with the tools and opportunity to build community wealth through WoLakota asset building.

  • Lakota Language and Education

    Through educational and community based systems that are founded in Lakȟóta thought, language and lifeways, our Lakȟóta Language and Education Initiative envisions reclaiming, restoring, and sustaining our language and lifeways.

  • Regenerative Community Development

    Our Regenerative Community Development Initiative ensures that the physical spaces where our liberation and healing occur meet our community’s vision for a healthy, innovative, and culturally appropriate built environment rooted in our Lakota way of life.

  • Regional Equity

    To create and implement a regional vision that helps build our community’s capacity, our Regional Equity Initiative works to address systemic poverty and eliminate economic disparities for the Pine Ridge Reservation.

  • Social Enterprise

    Our Social Enterprise Initiative works to make our community stronger by encouraging business development grounded in Lakota knowledge and values through making education and entrepreneurial opportunities more accessible to the Pine Ridge Reservation. 

  • Workforce Development

    Through the determination of young adults and the dedication of our local leaders, our Workforce Development Initiative is building a thriving workforce centered on improving financial, emotional, physical, and professional health while creating sustainable communities in Lakota Country. 

  • Youth Leadership

    Our Youth Leadership Development Initiative cultivates opportunities for Lakota youth that enhance leadership skills, promote personal and community wellbeing, and sustain culture and spirituality in order to guide generations of our youth toward an awakening of self-determination, self-sufficiency, and ultimately liberation.