#United States #Rapid City #Sioux Sanatorium #Bodwé Group #Memorial Workshops

Bodwé Group Leads Community Engagement for Sioux San Memorial

The Bodwé Group, through its subsidiaries Blue Star Integrative Studio (BSIS) and Seven Generations Architecture + Engineering (7GAE), is taking an important step toward honoring the legacy of the Sioux Sanatorium in Rapid City, South Dakota. After the demolition of the historic sanatorium in April 2023, these organizations are now organizing a series of five community engagement workshops aimed at gathering input from the local population regarding the design and planning of a memorial to commemorate this crucial part of the area's history.

The Sioux Sanatorium's History

Originally constructed in 1938 as a tuberculosis hospital for Native Americans, the Sioux Sanatorium later transitioned to a general hospital and, ultimately, an outpatient clinic. Throughout its operational years, it served countless patients and became a significant landmark in the community, overlooking Sioux San and Canyon Lake Drives. Its demolition marks the end of an era, but the memory it created continues to resonate with those who depended on its services.

Workshop Details

The workshops will take place at the Conference Center located in the Oyate Health Center, along with a virtual session for those who might prefer to contribute online. The schedule is as follows:

• - Workshop I: Thursday, February 20, 2025
• - Workshop II: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
• - Virtual Workshop I: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
• - Workshop III: Saturday, April 5, 2025
• - Workshop IV: Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Each workshop is designed to foster open dialogues about the relationships participants have with the former Sioux Sanatorium and to facilitate discussions about the elements that should be incorporated into the memorial.

Bodwé Group's Participation in the Community

Bodwé Group is not new to Rapid City; they have previously worked on significant projects including the design of the Oyate Health Center and various historical preservation activities. Their commitment to the community is apparent in their efforts to ensure that the stories and contributions of the Sioux Sanatorium are not forgotten but rather celebrated through a thoughtful memorial.

The community’s input will not only help define what the memorial will look like but also serve to honor the generations of Tribal Citizens who experienced both the struggles and care provided at the Sioux Sanatorium. As the workshops progress, Bodwé Group plans to compile a summary report documenting community feedback, along with conceptual illustrations that capture the collective vision for this tribute.

How to Get Involved

Members of the community are encouraged to participate in these workshops and express their thoughts and ideas. For additional details about the workshops and to learn more about the Sioux San Memorial project, individuals can visit the Bodwé Group’s website at www.bodwegroup.com/news/sioux-san-memorial-planning-community-engagement-project.

Conclusion

Bodwé Group’s initiative to engage the community in discussions regarding the Sioux San Memorial signifies a crucial step toward preserving the history and culture of the region. The memorial will act not only as a reminder of the past but also as a symbol of the future, ensuring that the invaluable contributions of the Sioux Sanatorium and its legacy continue to be honored and remembered.