Our Story
The word for “children” in the Lakota language is Wakaneja, 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 mission at Wakanyeja Gluwitayan Otipi, which is roughly translated in English as “Gather Our Children Home,” is to always keep this understanding close to our hearts and at the forefront of everything we do. Wakanyeja Gluwitayan Otipi is the only emergency shelter, group home and safe house located on the Pine Ridge Reservation for children ages 0 – 12 years-old. Since our doors opened in 2017, we have served the needs of over 350 children.
Wakanyeja Gluwitayan Otipi 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, Wakanyeja Gluwitayan Otipi strives to be a “home away from home” for each of our wakanyeja. 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 stepped into her current role as Founder and Manager of Wakanyeja Gluwitayan Otipi, the only Emergency Safe House for children ages 0-12 years on Pine Ridge Reservation. Barbara 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 Members
Barbara Dullknife
Janelle Price
Lisa Schrader
Yvette Running Horse Collin
Jeff Not Help Him
Mariah Provost
Chair
Vice Chair
Treasurer & Secretary
Director
Board Member
Oglala Sioux Tribe CPS Director
Become a Monthly Sponsor
We are grateful for every act of support we receive. All support is channeled through our 501-c-3 fiscal sponsor, Sacred Healing Circle, who assist individuals, families, and communities to heal. The majority of their resources are directed toward programs that benefit Indigenous/Native communities through the use of traditional methodologies and practices.
Created by Wakanyeja Gluwitayan Otipi, Gather Our Children Home © 2022. All rights reserved.