Wokini Initiative

The Wokini Initiative is SDSU’s collaborative and holistic framework to support American Indian student success and Indigenous Nation-building. Ongoing collaboration between key campus and tribal stakeholders is central to the Wokini framework.  

The Initiative builds upon SDSU’s current tribal partnerships and American Indian Student Center services to enhance cultural programming and support for American Indian students; offer Wokini scholarships for students who are tribally enrolled or have descendancy through a federally recognized tribe in the United States including Alaskan Natives, and enhance research and outreach partnerships with tribes, tribal colleges and other tribal organizations. 

About Wokini

Wokini Initiative Goals

Wokini Partnerships

Inauguration of President Dawn Frank (OLC)

Dawn Tobacco-Frank, a graduate of SDSU’s Prairie Ph.D. program in 2010 and member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe was inaugurated as president of Oglala Lakota College, Sept. 2, 2022. Frank (middle) is pictured with Dianne Rickerl (left) and SDSU President Barry Dunn (right) during Frank’s inauguration ceremony.

Wokini Scholars Meetings

Held once a month where AISC, Wokini, AIIS, and NANEC interact with the 45-55 Wokini scholars.

Dillon Nelson and Donald “Butch” Eastman (Ph.D. and grad Wokini scholars) talked with the students.

Meet Our Jacks

Wokini Success Stories

AISES National Conference Awards

Jessica Begeman, SDSU’s first Udall Scholar

Innoskate Sioux Falls

Innoskate Pine Ridge

Fallis pursuing dream of becoming a veterinarian

Lakota Kinship and Language

Wokini kept undergrad coming back

Relationship building a key to Wokini’s future success

Wokini Gave Graduate Student Direction