SuAnne Big Crow Memorial Foundation

The SuAnne Big Crow Boys and Girls Club was opened in 1992 in an old plastic factory building, in honor of its namesake. To this day SuAnne remains a legend on the Pine Ridge Reservation for the impact she made socially, academically and athletically and as a role model for the children. Children still look up to her and strive to be like her. Grandparents and parents use her to encourage and motivate the youth to lead more active and positive lifestyles. The SuAnne Club has continued to make her dream for her people a reality and has made nearly as big an impact on the lives of our youth. SuAnne dreamed of a place where everybody got along, supported each other and was proud of their accomplishments.

SuAnne had a dream:

She dreamed of a place where there were no drugs, no alcohol and no prejudice - A place where everyone got along, supported each other, and were proud of each other’s accomplishments - A place she called Happytown. She started working toward these goals at an early age. She led by example. SuAnne died on her way to an awards ceremony. The Visions of SuAnne Big Crow Inc. was established to continue her dream and served youth.

Her story has been recently re-told in the documentary film, “Big Crow”, which is available on Amazon and other sites.

Ever since its beginning, the center has struggled to survive and operate, with multiple ups and downs. One big “up” was a visit to Pine Ridge by President Clinton, which resulted in the opening of a spectacular new facility, made possible by four Federal agencies and the cooperation of Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The SuAnne Big Crow Boys and Girls club provided a safe and positive place for the Lakota youth, who desperately need this kind of support. The reservation has one of the highest teen suicide rates in the nation, and high levels of substance abuse. The club is a drug and alcohol free, safe, fun place which promotes self-confidence and self-sufficiency. The new facility has a gym, swimming pool, games room, crafts room, library and a restaurant. In recent times, there has come another large “down”. The COVID pandemic hit with all of its lockdowns and limitations, and the funding has dried up. This beautiful facility, one of the best in the nation, had to close. But now the situation has improved, funding has been obtained, and the club is back in operation. We still need to recruit and hire staff and make some repairs to the building. Can you help us to assure sustainability for the future?