Our Story
The word for “children” in the Lakota language is Wakanheja, which means “sacred beings.” Their care and well-being are not just the responsibility of the immediate family, but of the community as a whole.
Our goal at Wakanheja Tokahepi is to always keep this understanding of children as sacred close to our hearts and at the forefront of everything we do. Wakanheja Tokahepi is an emergency shelter, group home and safe house located on the Pine Ridge Reservation for children ages 0 – 12 years-old. We provide shelter and culturally appropriate care for children in need and help families create healthy pathways forward toward reunification when possible. We provide a safe, child-centered environment where children can begin to heal and thrive. Additionally, we facilitate cultural and educational programs and participate in events that promote our mission throughout the community.
Wakanheja Tokahepi provides a culturally appropriate living and learning environment for each of the children who stay with us. Both the English and Lakota languages are spoken to the children, and Lakota tradition and culture are respected and made available. Indeed, Wakanheja Tokahepi strives to be a “home away from home” for each of our wakanheja. We appreciate each of the staff, volunteers and donors who have worked with us since our inception, and we welcome those who wish to partner with us to keep our children safe and in the care of our Lakota community.
Wopila Tanka
Unci Barbara Dull Knife and Board Members
Our Founder
Barbara Dullknife
Barbara Dull Knife, also known as Mah’piya Keyaké Wiŋ, is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother to many. She was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Barbara is an elder knowledge keeper who is dedicated to the preservation of the Lakota lifeways, traditions and language, and to the protection of Lakota children and the traditional cultural knowledge surrounding their care. In 2016, after retiring from 17 years of civil service as a child welfare advocate with the US Attorney’s Office, Barbara Dull Knife became the Founder and Manager of Wakanyeja Gluwitayan Otipi, the only Emergency Safe House for children ages 0-12 years on Pine Ridge Reservation at the time. Barbara now serves as President of Wakanheja Tokahepi, continuing to provide a safe place for Lakota children and support for family reunification when possible. She also currently serves as a founding Board Member for Taku Škaŋ Škaŋ Wasakliyapi: Global Institute for Traditional Sciences (GIFTS) and the Paha Sapa Unity Alliance Council of Elders. She served two terms of office as a Council Member representing the Oglala District on the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council, and she served as the elected Treasurer for her District from 2020-2022. As is aligned with her cultural roles and responsibilities, Mah’piya Keyaké Wiŋ dedicates her prayer and life’s work to the next seven generations of Lakota Peoples and to a healthy future for all life. Mitakuye Oyasiŋ.
& Board of Directors
Barbara Dullknife
Janelle Price
Yvette Running Horse Collin
Lisa Schrader
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Jeff Not Help Him
Dr. Donald Warne
Susan Schrader
Director
Director
Oglala Sioux Tribe CPS Director
Become a Monthly Supporter
Your monthly support makes our work possible and creates consistency in a child’s life during times of uncertainty. By becoming a monthly supporter, you help provide a safe, stable home when children need it most. Your support ensures access to shelter, meals, care, and culturally grounded programs, creating a pathway for children and families to heal, grow, and stay connected to their community.
Consider becoming a supporter today.
Created by Wakanheja Tokahepi © 2026. All rights reserved.