BlueHub Capital has awarded tax credits to Maȟpíya Lúta (Red Cloud) on the Pine Ridge Reservation, facilitating a $13 million investment in significant infrastructure projects. The funds will support the construction of a new Heritage Center and extensive water system improvements, including a 225,000-gallon water tower, mainlines, wells, and a pump house.
Monica Macek, the vice president of facilities at the school, emphasized the impact of this investment in an interview with South Dakota Public Broadcasting. "The Heritage Center, designed with the community and student body in mind, will serve as a hub for cultural resources," she explained. Located near the front of the campus and close to the schools, the center will provide students with greater access to research, art education, and various programs, including visits from guest artists. “For the students, we specifically going through the design process located the building near the front of campus and also near the schools so that it’s part of campus," Macek said. "Students will have more access to the Heritage Center services. I know they take classes for research, art education, they also do programs with students, they bring in visiting artists.”
This investment comes after four years of planning and aligns with the school's generations campaign, which includes projects from their master plan as well as additional fundraising initiatives. Macek noted, "We combined the Heritage Center and water system improvement projects to create a comprehensive package for our consultants."
The primary goal of the school following this investment is to help Indigenous students celebrate their culture, embrace food sovereignty, and combat systemic cultural suppression. This initiative reflects the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its students. The stated goal of the school following this investment is to help Indigenous students celebrate their culture, embrace food sovereignty, and battle systemic cultural suppression.
Listen to the news story on South Dakota Public Broadcasting.