The promise of the new Hé Sapa Black Hills Center for Northern Plains Indian Arts and Performance is before us. But, we cannot realize this dream without your support and assistance.

Although ATTA and its partners have accomplished so much on this trail to establish the Hé Sapa Black Hills Center – securing a site, adopting plans, and raising more than half of the necessary funds – we must obtain additional financial commitments to bid the construction of this project by mid-2010.

The benefits of this project are many. For Native Americans steeped in the cultural traditions of our tribes, the Hé Sapa Black Hills Center affords untold opportunities for prideful employment, economic development and growth. For artisans, the Northern Plains Tribal Art Market provides a focused venue for the display and sale of their creations, bringing new satisfaction and revenues to their extended families.

Visitors to this new tribal venue will be exposed to living history -- tribal traditions, legends and lore, respect for the land, and centuries of history tied to the American Indian experience. They will leave the Black Hills with a newfound appreciation of native customs, rituals, art, celebrations, skill and spirit.

For communities both Native American and non-native, too long separated by invisible walls, the Hé Sapa Black Hills Center represents an opportunity to promote cultural understanding and productive dialogue that can benefit all of us for many tomorrows.

Please help us in raising the necessary funds to bring this important and worthwhile project to fruition.