Executive Director, Amy Sazue, shared background on the initial concept of the Remembering the Children Memorial and history of the Rapid City Indian Boarding School. The project started from questions regarding deaths, graves and boundaries at the Indian Boarding School and culminated into extensive research, fundraising and design/construction of the 24 acre Memorial over an eight-year period. She shared that the project involved hundreds of volunteers, a core team, and collaborative partnerships. The project received grant support and a $2 million donation from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Phase I has been completed and is a site of public art, education, and healing.
The goal of the Memorial is to protect the land, ensure the safety of the children’s graves, preserve and share the legacy of both the children and the federal boarding school system.
A memorial walk is scheduled for September 27, 2025. For detailed information visit rememberingthechildren.org.