Remembering the Children Memorial turns tragedy into healing

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - A Rapid City organization is one step closer to building a memorial honoring children who died at the Rapid City Indian School, thanks to a $2 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Amy Sazue, the executive director of Remembering the Children Inc., says the grant will be used to begin construction and help provide upkeep once the memorial is complete.

Local artist Dale Lamphere is mentoring Indigenous artist to cast a sculpture called “Tiwahe,” which means “family,” for the memorial. Zuya Sica Construction was chosen as the project manager with Scull Construction as the general contractor.

The Rapid City Indian School, which was located at the current Oyate Helath Center, was operational between 1898 and 1933. At least 50 children died at the school, and many were buried in unmarked graves.

“This project has always been centered on healing and recognizing a shared history that is complex and filled with mistrust. We are listening, we are learning, and I am really proud that we not only address concerns but come up with a solution that creates equity and opportunity for our community,” said Sazue.

The memorial is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2025.

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