7Gen: A Duty and a Prophecy

 7Gen refers to “Seven Generations,” which is a concept that is familiar in many Indigenous belief systems. The basic idea is that we have an obligation to consider Seven Generations into the future when making decisions. The Rosebud Sioux Tribal Constitution has a provision that we must consider the next Seven Generations when making decisions.

7Gen also has roots in a prophecy that a Seventh Generation that will revitalize Indigenous communities and bring about renewed power. This prophecy is shared among many Native groups, but as Sicangu Lakota there is a very specific prophecy for us.

We do not claim to “own” or have “invented” 7Gen, but we are carrying the work forward. It is a movement that can be pushed forward in a multitude of ways by a multitude of people.

Because of the multiple meanings, 7Gen is a dynamic idea and movement that prioritized Indigenous perspectives and encourages strategic, long-term thinking.  

Learn more about a few of our flagship 7Gen projects at the links below:

• Wolakota Buffalo Range
  • 28,000-acre regenerative buffalo range with economic, social, and ecological impacts​
• Keya Wakpala Woicageyapi​
  • 600-acre multi-use development site that is revolutionizing the way we live, work, and play​
• Wakanyeja Tokeyachi Wounspe Tipi​
  • The only accredited immersive Lakota elementary school on Rosebud​
• Sicangu Food Sovereignty Initiative​
  • A series of programs that promote access, education, and training around building a just, sustainable, and culturally-appropriate food system​
• Lakolya Waoniya​
  • A program that will pay Sicangu citizens a full-time salary to learn the Lakota Language​

Our 7Gen Ecosystem is an innovative nation building partnership developed to tackle the enormous challenges and opportunities facing the Sicangu Lakota Oyate. The three partners are distinct organizations with interconnected activities operating under a shared vision and set of values.

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Our mission:

As Lakota, we believe we are all related, and it is our duty to create a better world for future generations.

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Each sister will work to accomplish this mission differently:

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· At REDCO, we do this by developing amazing leaders who run great organizations. REDCO is focused on tribal enterprise and policy development.

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· At Sicangu CDC, we do this by empowering people, strengthening families, and building community – Lakota style. Sicangu CDC is focused on revolutionizing the food, housing, education, and healthcare systems of the Sicangu.

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· At Tatanka Fund, we do this through supporting personal finance, business entrepreneurship, and homeownership.

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To achieve maximum impact, we are developing and implementing a 7Gen Plan and framework for making decisions that will support change-making and nation- building activities for the next 175 years.