Press Release
October 29, 2020
The Lakota Nation Invitational (LNI)Rapid City, SD— October 29, 2020 — Today at the Rapid City Civic Center the The Lakota Nation Invitational (LNI) announced for immediate release:
The Lakota Nation Invitational (LNI) board voted today to cancel all 2020 LNI events and basketball tournament, due to the rising numbers and concerns about safety for our students/athletes, fans and workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following are the quotes from LNI board President Chuck Wilson and Founder and Director of the Basketball Tournament Bryan Brewer regarding the decision from the LNI Board to cancel the tournament and events this year:
“It was a very difficult decision to have to cancel this years event, obviously the concerns with COVID-19 pushed us to this decision. We’ve already started making plans for the 2021 LNI, with the addition of the new arena, LNI will be bigger and better. I would like to thank all of the staff at the Monument, Visit Rapid City, Kettel Thorstensen and all the businesses that supported LNI. I just want everyone to be careful and safe during this tough period of time and extend my thanks to everyone“ stated Chuck Wilson, LNI Board President
“Im saddened that we had to cancel this year, but we will be back bigger and better next year, the biggest concern was for our children/fans/officials/workers/athletes “ stated Bryan Brewer, LNI Founder and Director
Founded in 1976 on the Pine Ridge Reservation with 8 teams, the The Lakota Nation Invitational (LNI) swiftly became the premier event in the state of South Dakota and the upper Midwest. It has grown to a 32 team tournament for high school girls and boys to compete in during the winter season. It also hosts many events in conjunction with the basketball tournament.
The Lakota Nation Invitational (LNI) moved to Rapid City, SD in 1979 when it became too big to host on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The Sacred Black Hills have always been the Spiritual Center for the Lakota People so its quickly became home for the tournament.
For more information, press only:
Bryan Brewer, Founder/Director Chuck Wilson, LNI Board President
605-891-9500 605-685-4551
WELCOME to the 44th year of the most unique
event in the world:
The Lakota Nation Invitational !
December 15th - 18th, 2021
This year we are pleased to share our 44th LNI with you. From a very small start in 1976, we have experienced many changes and have grown immensely. The last 43 years have been filled with great memories and exciting games, including cultural and academic events with outstanding young men and women.
Each year, the Lakota Nation Invitational has grown. We have been proud of all the young people who have given their best as they compete in honor of their schools, families, and respected nations from near and far. Their efforts are exceptional and our youth are the reason we all come together in the spirit of friendship and good will. The best athletes are here in basketball, wrestling, cheerleading, and countless other competitions! We also have outstanding youth competing in the Lakota Language, Academic and Knowledge Bowls, as well as the Hand game Tournament, Art Show, Story Telling, and Business Competitions.
This year, we open our doors to all students nationally who wish to attend. In this our 44th year. We will also honor our Veterans who have served our country in the military. From Athletics, Academics, Fine Arts, or in promoting our indigenous cultural traditions in honoring, we carry on the LNI spirit and there is something for everyone. The countdown begins as we head into the next LNI season of fun and excitement. Who do you think will claim the titles this year? You may have already chosen your favorites but there will certainly be some surprises and upsets. And while we each have our favorite team, every student at the Lakota Nation Invitational is special to us. All our events are exciting and fun to watch - the excitement is building! Can you already hear the roar of the crowd? Will the colors of your favorite team wave victory when it’s all said and done? The time is now and the message LNI wants to send to our LNI youth is to rise to the occasion and do your very best. We are proud of you for making positive choices in representing your respected schools, communities and the LNI Organization.
In closing, we invite you to have a good time and take in as many events as you can in supporting all of our LNI student athletes and scholars. Remember to take time and shake the hand of a veteran who has served our country, or our LNI student athletes who have gone on to attend college, trade school, or the military and who have returned home for the holidays. Please show your sportsmanship and appreciation to all participants, sports, public safety officials, and all our workers who have volunteered their time to make this a memorable event for the youth. Enjoy the tournament and all the pageantry that goes with it. We hope the 44th LNI will be the best ever.
