CRAZY HORSE CEO ISSUES AN INVITATION

Whitney Rencountre was recently named the CEO of Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation after serving as Associate Director of the Indian University of North America at Crazy Horse and in other roles at the mountain carving for five years.

“My goals are to carry forward the work that has already been done here,” Rencountre says. “Korczak Ziolkowski and Henry Standing Bear had a vision to develop a relationship and share the understanding that building bridges brings. Having a place for native peoples to understand and celebrate their culture is important.”

Rencountre, a member of the Crow Creek Hunkpati Dakota Nation, says there three major components at Crazy Horse Memorial — the largest carving in the world, the Indian Museum of North America, and the Indian University of North America. More than 350 students have been through the university, and 80 percent of those have graduated or are in college.

“We invite people to learn more and try to do their part to educate people and provide opportunities for education for native peoples. It will be better if everyone does their part,” Rencountre says.

Rencountre succeeds Jadwiga and Monique Ziolkowski, who transitioned from their roles as co-CEOs of the foundation, but can still be found on the grounds supporting and serving the mission and legacy of their parents, Korczak and Ruth Ziolkowski.

Rencountre lives in Rapid City with his wife, author Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre.