Friends, Relatives, Supporters, and Family

Nape waste cuzapi! I am happy to share with you the final pre-construction design plans for the Hé Sapa Black Hills Center for Northern Plains Art and Performance which we anticipate a Phase I opening in summer 2011.  Ideally, we would like to see this facility fully constructed in the opening year. It takes time to build a market base and to gain recognition in a highly competitive tourism market place. However, we are immensely confident this project will take a strong foot hold for new audiences such as those from the European Common Market that have a strong passion for northern plains tribal cultures, history, art, lands, and language. We are working to share our way of life and knowledge with those that wish to learn and to do so in a way that is respectful and helps the circle grow.

I would like to thank the City of Rapid City for making a generous step in making funds and a land site location available to the Alliance of Tribal Tourism Advocates from which we can effectively advance this project. We realize we will not be at the same level as the Sante Fe Indian Market instantly overnight; but we do indeed understand that through steady hard work, strong marketing effort, shared vision, and good fellowship; this project will bring about a new face to the landscape of South Dakota tourism. ATTA is proud to be the tribal organization that will lead this effort and it will serve to open new doors for understanding and windows for sharing the cultural wealth that we have here the Black Hills and on surrounding tribal lands. We know that this project will expand market share and bring more financial resources to Rapid City and South Dakota; but we also know that it will open the eyes, hearts, and minds of those who truly desire to come forward and learn about the deeper things that keep our spirit strong and it will help strengthen the circle for all humanity in our midst.

Your support and belief in the Nations to accomplish this project is greatly welcome and deeply appreciated.

Wopida Tanka

Robert Cournoyer, Chairman, Yankton Sioux Tribe
And Chairman, ATTA Board of Directors