Our Story

The Keya Foundation, Inc. is a community-rooted 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, serving communities throughout the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) Reservation. Guided by our motto, “Helping Others Help Themselves,” we have been serving our communities since 2012, working alongside community members, schools, tribal programs, organizations, and partners to strengthen the health, well-being, and capacity of our communities.

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Our work continues to grow and evolve in response to the needs expressed by the people we serve. Through our four focus areas, Youth Programs, Community Engagement, Food Security, and Environmental Justice, we support community-led solutions, create opportunities for youth and families, and bring partners and resources together to address community priorities.

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At Keya, we believe in building with the community, not simply doing things for the community. Every effort we put forth is an opportunity to build the capacity of rural people to help themselves, their families, and their communities grow and prosper. We view each project as an opportunity to share what we know, learn from the knowledge and experiences of others, and create meaningful opportunities for people to have a voice in the work that affects them.

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Our organization is governed by a seven-person Board of Directors made up of community members from across the reservation. Together with our staff, partners, and community members, we work toward a future rooted in education, social health, cultural connection, and community strength.

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We believe the ultimate measure of our work is not simply what we accomplish, but what we help make possible for others. Our goal is to support and mentor individuals and communities in building the knowledge, skills, relationships, and confidence to carry the work forward, and ultimately, to outshine us.

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Our Vision: To build capacity within the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal communities.

Our Mission: To partner with underserved communities through education, social health, and cultural renewal to invest in themselves, their families, and their communities for a future of endurance, longevity, and protection.

Our Motto: Helping Others Help Themselves