The Pine Ridge Reservation lies within the original Great Sioux Territory and is located approximately 88 miles from the FPF headquarters in Rapid City, South Dakota. The reservation is home to approximately 26,000 tribal members, half of whom are 25 years old and younger. Approximately 30% of the population of Pine Ridge identifies as artists. However, Native artists across the reservation have been unable to sufficiently access creative space, business training and knowledge, supplies and equipment, and networks they need to build strong economic futures rooted in Lakota cultural identity. This limits the development of arts business skills, the ability to share, teach and learn cultural knowledge across generations, and the ability to earn income from art businesses. Moreover, it’s a significant barrier to the broader expression of Lakota culture and identity desired for healing and strengthening the people of Pine Ridge through the unique and beautiful perspective of Lakota culture.