Wambli Ska Society
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
THE MISSION OF WAMBLI SKA OKOLAKICIYE IS TO EMPOWER THE NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY TO OVERCOME BARRIERS, REVIVE CULTURAL TRADITIONS, AND PROMOTE RESILIENCY IN A COMPASSIONATE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. WE WALK ALONGSIDE OUR PEOPLE RESPONDING TO URGENT NEEDS WHILE REVIVING TRADITIONAL LIFEWAYS, FOSTERING EDUCATION, AND BUILDING PATHWAYS TO SELF-DETERMINED FUTURES. AS AN INDIGENOUS-LED NONPROFIT ROOTED IN SERVICE, CULTURAL RESTORATION, AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE, OUR MISSION REMAINS INTENTIONALLY BROAD, DESIGNED TO MEET THE EVOLVING REALITIES OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES WITH AGILITY, COMPASSION, AND STRENGTH.
- Income
- $3.7 million
- Spending
- $1.7 million
- Spent on programs
- 77%
- Reserves
- 6.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- other income, 53%
- Employees
- 14
- Volunteers
- 52
- Highest pay
- $93,692, ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 80% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 6.7 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 53% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 216% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1577% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 15% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
5 of 253 of 6 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
0 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (2)
- $252,609 spent. CULTURAL & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS- WAMBLI SKA TEEN DROP-IN CENTER SERVES AS A SAFE HAVEN FOR NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH IN RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA, A CITY WHERE SYSTEMIC INEQUITIES IN EDUCATION, POLICING, AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM PLACE INDIGENOUS YOUNG PEOPLE AT PROFOUND RISK. THE CENTER PROVIDES A WELCOMING, CULTURALLY GROUNDED SPACE WHERE YOUTH CAN ACCESS BASIC NEEDS, BUILD SKILLS, AND RECONNECT WITH THEIR IDENTITY AND COMMUNITY. SERVICES INCLUDE HOMEWORK SUPPORT AND TUTORING, COMPUTER LAB ACCESS, SHOWERS, FOOD PANTRY, HOT MEALS, LIFE SKILLS TRAINING, ART AND RECORDING STUDIOS, SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMMING, AND MENTORING. CULTURAL TEACHINGS, LAKOTA LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION, AND COMMUNITY GATHERINGS CONNECT YOUTH TO THEIR HERITAGE AND TO EACH OTHER. THE CENTER ALSO OFFERS A K-12 ON-SITE HOMESCHOOL OPTION AND OPERATES A SAFE PASSAGE PROGRAM PROTECTING YOUTH IN HIGH-RISK AREAS. ZUYA WICASA TA O'TIPI | WARRIORS LODGE PROVIDES TRANSITIONAL HOUSING AND HOLISTIC WRAPAROUND SUPPORT FOR MORE THAN 20 YOUNG NATIVE MEN IN RAPID CITY. THE PROGRAM OFFERS MENTORSHIP, LIFE SKILLS TRAINING, CULTURAL RECONNECTION TO TRADITIONAL WAYS OF LIVING, AND A SECURE ENVIRONMENT FOR HEALING AND PERSONAL GROWTH. PEJUTA WASTE O'TIPI | GOOD MEDICINE LODGE SERVES THE UNSHELTERED COMMUNITY THROUGH EMERGENCY SHELTER, A DROP-IN DAY CENTER, NUTRITIOUS MEALS, CASE MANAGEMENT, SHOWERS, LAUNDRY, MAIL SERVICES, AND ACCESS TO MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES. BOTH PROGRAMS REFLECT WAMBLI SKA'S COMMITMENT TO MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE AND PROVIDING THE SAFETY AND STABILITY NECESSARY FOR LONG-TERM HEALING AND SELFDETERMINATION. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO OPERATES THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: (1) OYATE COURT PROGRAM RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SERVICES PROMOTING SOCIAL EQUALITY AND ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION; (2) WELLBRIETY PROGRAM INDIGENOUS-BASED ADDICTION RECOVERY SUPPORT; (3)COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION ENSURING NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY AND REDUCING POLICE PRESENCE; (4) FOOD SOVEREIGNTY INITIATIVES FOOD PANTRY, COMMUNITY GARDEN, AND TRADITIONAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION; (5) CULTURAL REVITALIZATION LAKOTA LANGUAGE, CEREMONIES, VALUES, AND ADVOCACY; (6) MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH SUPPORT TRAUMA-INFORMED PRACTICES, PRAYER VIGILS, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING LOSS; (7) SEARCH TEAMS FOR MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS PEOPLE. CULTURAL & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS- WAMBLI SKA TEEN DROP-IN CENTER SERVES AS A SAFE HAVEN FOR NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH IN RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA, A CITY WHERE SYSTEMIC INEQUITIES IN EDUCATION, POLICING, AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM PLACE INDIGENOUS YOUNG PEOPLE AT PROFOUND RISK. THE CENTER PROVIDES A WELCOMING, CULTURALLY GROUNDED SPACE WHERE YOUTH CAN ACCESS BASIC NEEDS, BUILD SKILLS, AND RECONNECT WITH THEIR IDENTITY AND COMMUNITY. SERVICES INCLUDE HOMEWORK SUPPORT AND TUTORING, COMPUTER LAB ACCESS, SHOWERS, FOOD PANTRY, HOT MEALS, LIFE SKILLS TRAINING, ART AND RECORDING STUDIOS, SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMMING, AND MENTORING. CULTURAL TEACHINGS, LAKOTA LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION, AND COMMUNITY GATHERINGS CONNECT YOUTH TO THEIR HERITAGE AND TO EACH OTHER. THE CENTER ALSO OFFERS A K-12 ON-SITE HOMESCHOOL OPTION AND OPERATES A SAFE PASSAGE PROGRAM PROTECTING YOUTH IN HIGH-RISK AREAS. ZUYA WICASA TA O'TIPI | WARRIORS LODGE PROVIDES TRANSITIONAL HOUSING AND HOLISTIC WRAPAROUND SUPPORT FOR MORE THAN 20 YOUNG NATIVE MEN IN RAPID CITY. THE PROGRAM OFFERS MENTORSHIP, LIFE SKILLS TRAINING, CULTURAL RECONNECTION TO TRADITIONAL WAYS OF LIVING, AND A SECURE ENVIRONMENT FOR HEALING AND PERSONAL GROWTH. PEJUTA WASTE O'TIPI | GOOD MEDICINE LODGE SERVES THE UNSHELTERED COMMUNITY THROUGH EMERGENCY SHELTER, A DROP-IN DAY CENTER, NUTRITIOUS MEALS, CASE MANAGEMENT, SHOWERS, LAUNDRY, MAIL SERVICES, AND ACCESS TO MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES. BOTH PROGRAMS REFLECT WAMBLI SKA'S COMMITMENT TO MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE AND PROVIDING THE SAFETY AND STABILITY NECESSARY FOR LONG-TERM HEALING AND SELFDETERMINATION. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO OPERATES THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: (1) OYATE COURT PROGRAM RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SERVICES PROMOTING SOCIAL EQUALITY AND ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION; (2) WELLBRIETY PROGRAM INDIGENOUS-BASED ADDICTION RECOVERY SUPPORT; (3)COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION ENSURING NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY AND REDUCING POLICE PRESENCE; (4) FOOD SOVEREIGNTY INITIATIVES FOOD PANTRY, COMMUNITY GARDEN, AND TRADITIONAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION; (5) CULTURAL REVITALIZATION LAKOTA LANGUAGE, CEREMONIES, VALUES, AND ADVOCACY; (6) MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH SUPPORT TRAUMA-INFORMED PRACTICES, PRAYER VIGILS, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING LOSS; (7) SEARCH TEAMS FOR MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS PEOPLE.
- $1.1 million spent. SACRED STORM BUFFALO IS A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SOVEREIGNTY INITIATIVE THAT RESTORES THE CONNECTION BETWEEN NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH AND THEIR ANCESTRAL RELATIONSHIP TO THE LAND AND THE BUFFALO. THROUGH TWO COMPLEMENTARY OPERATIONS A MOBILE HARVEST UNIT AND A BRICK-ANDMORTAR BUTCHER SHOP AND MARKET PARTICIPANTS ENGAGE IN HANDS-ON APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING IN EVERY STAGE OF BUFFALO HARVESTING, BUTCHERY, FULL CARCASS UTILIZATION, RETAIL OPERATIONS, AND FOOD ENTREPRENEURSHIP. ROOTED IN LAKOTA VALUES, THE PROGRAM RECONNECTS YOUNG PEOPLE TO CULTURAL FOOD TRADITIONS, BUILDS PATHWAYS TO MEANINGFUL CAREERS IN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PRODUCTION, AND ADVANCES FOOD SOVEREIGNTY FOR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES BY PROVIDING ETHICALLY SOURCED, CULTURALLY RELEVANT PROTEIN AND TRADITIONAL FOODS TO FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES IN NEED. SACRED STORM BUFFALO REPRESENTS WAMBLI SKA'S COMMITMENT TO EMPOWERING OUR PEOPLE NOT JUST TO SURVIVE, BUT TO LEAD. THE PARTICIPANTS IN OUR PROGRAM ARE NOT BETWEEN JOBS OR SIMPLY SEEKING A NEW CAREER PATH - THEY HAVE LIVED THROUGH YEARS OF UNRESOVLED TRAUMA AND GRIEF. THE CONVENTIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM WAS NOT BUILT FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS. SACRED STORM BUFFALO IS BUILT ON THE SIMPLE BELIEF THAT MEANINGFUL, STRUCTURED WORK OFFERED IN THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT, WITH THE RIGHT SUPPORT, IS ITSELF A HEALING INTERVENTION. OUR PROGRAM BUILDS SKILL, RESPONSIBILITY, DIGNITY, IDENTITY, AND COMPETENCE. PERSONAL, FINANCIAL, AND PURPOSE-DRIVEN SUSTAINABILITY IS OUR GOAL - BUILDING LIVES THAT HOLD TOGETHER FROM THE INSIDE OUT, NOT PROPPED UP BY EXTERNAL SUPPORT. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IS NOT JUST FOCUSED ON JOB PLACEMENT - THE PROGRAM EXPLICITLY INCLUDES SUPPORT FOR BASIC SELF-CARE, HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT, TRAUMA AND GRIEF PROCESSING, RELATIONAL SKILLS AND COMMUNITY. THIS HOLISITC APPROACH IS INTEGRAL TO ACHIEVING OUR MISSION. SACRED STORM BUFFALO IS A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SOVEREIGNTY INITIATIVE THAT RESTORES THE CONNECTION BETWEEN NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH AND THEIR ANCESTRAL RELATIONSHIP TO THE LAND AND THE BUFFALO. THROUGH TWO COMPLEMENTARY OPERATIONS A MOBILE HARVEST UNIT AND A BRICK-ANDMORTAR BUTCHER SHOP AND MARKET PARTICIPANTS ENGAGE IN HANDS-ON APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING IN EVERY STAGE OF BUFFALO HARVESTING, BUTCHERY, FULL CARCASS UTILIZATION, RETAIL OPERATIONS, AND FOOD ENTREPRENEURSHIP. ROOTED IN LAKOTA VALUES, THE PROGRAM RECONNECTS YOUNG PEOPLE TO CULTURAL FOOD TRADITIONS, BUILDS PATHWAYS TO MEANINGFUL CAREERS IN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PRODUCTION, AND ADVANCES FOOD SOVEREIGNTY FOR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES BY PROVIDING ETHICALLY SOURCED, CULTURALLY RELEVANT PROTEIN AND TRADITIONAL FOODS TO FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES IN NEED. SACRED STORM BUFFALO REPRESENTS WAMBLI SKA'S COMMITMENT TO EMPOWERING OUR PEOPLE NOT JUST TO SURVIVE, BUT TO LEAD. THE PARTICIPANTS IN OUR PROGRAM ARE NOT BETWEEN JOBS OR SIMPLY SEEKING A NEW CAREER PATH - THEY HAVE LIVED THROUGH YEARS OF UNRESOVLED TRAUMA AND GRIEF. THE CONVENTIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM WAS NOT BUILT FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS. SACRED STORM BUFFALO IS BUILT ON THE SIMPLE BELIEF THAT MEANINGFUL, STRUCTURED WORK OFFERED IN THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT, WITH THE RIGHT SUPPORT, IS ITSELF A HEALING INTERVENTION. OUR PROGRAM BUILDS SKILL, RESPONSIBILITY, DIGNITY, IDENTITY, AND COMPETENCE. PERSONAL, FINANCIAL, AND PURPOSE-DRIVEN SUSTAINABILITY IS OUR GOAL - BUILDING LIVES THAT HOLD TOGETHER FROM THE INSIDE OUT, NOT PROPPED UP BY EXTERNAL SUPPORT. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IS NOT JUST FOCUSED ON JOB PLACEMENT - THE PROGRAM EXPLICITLY INCLUDES SUPPORT FOR BASIC SELF-CARE, HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT, TRAUMA AND GRIEF PROCESSING, RELATIONAL SKILLS AND COMMUNITY. THIS HOLISITC APPROACH IS INTEGRAL TO ACHIEVING OUR MISSION.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on February 15, 2018 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on February 15, 2018.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 2018.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.