Sioux Falls and Rapid City, SD (KELO AM) – Organizers of the prestigious Lakota Nation Invitational basketball tournament are reportedly unhappy with the way officials in Rapid City have handled recent incidents of racism against Native Americans, and want to take their tournament and its $6 million economic impact out of the city.
According to reports from the Associated Press and KCSR radio in Chadron, NE tournament organizers have fielded offers from Spearfish and Hot Springs, SD and Bismarck, ND, and are willing to talk with officials in Sioux Falls as well. Heather Hitterdal says that the Mayor’s office has reached out to tournament organizers; however no meetings have been scheduled.
The tournament and events surrounding it have been a mainstay in Rapid City for more than three decades. Besides a 16 team boys and girls basketball tournament, the LNI also features competitions in volleyball, wrestling, archery, volleyball, academics, and Native culture. Additionally events such as Pow-Wows and art shows are held to showcase Native culture. Organizers say over 3 thousand students participated in the 2014 LNI.