Leading Nonprofit Organization for Native American Communities

Our Approach

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We Put Youth
First

Our focus on youth programs fosters change across age groups and entire communities.

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American Indian-Led

Our leadership is committed to preserving the traditions, languages and sanctity of American Indian communities.

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We Help Where Needed Most

Rather than coming into a community and announcing what we will do, we listen to what our partners tell us they need.

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Billy Mills

Billy Mills, Oglala Lakota (Sioux) is Running Strong’s National Spokesperson. An Olympic gold medalist at the 1964 Olympics, Billy has dedicated his life to serving Native American communities.

Program Spotlight

Clean Water

When Running Strong for American Indian Youth® was formed in 1986, getting clean, safe drinking water to the residents of Pine Ridge was one of our top priorities. Previously, Running Strong satisfied this need by drilling water wells. However, the need for wells declined as the Oglala Sioux Rural Water Supply System was created and water lines were laid providing access to water. This past year through Diné NaabehóTó (the Navajo People’s Water Challenge), Running Strong connected 13 households to water in these communities, providing 92 individuals with access to clean, running water.  

Native american children and adult stand beside new water spigot outside rural home
Young Native students engaged in early education classroom

Dreamstarter

When Running Strong for American Indian Youth® was formed in 1986, getting clean, safe drinking water to the residents of Pine Ridge was one of our top priorities. Previously, Running Strong satisfied this need by drilling water wells. However, the need for wells declined as the Oglala Sioux Rural Water Supply System was created and water lines were laid providing access to water.

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