About Lakota Nation Invitational (LNI)

Hau! Welcome

This year we are pleased to share our Lakota Nation Invitational with you. From a very small start in 1976, we have experienced many changes and have grown immensely.

The last 47 years have been filled with great memories and exciting games, including cultural and academic events with outstanding young men and women.

Growing Stronger Every Year

Each year, the Lakota Nation Invitational has grown, and 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.

Athletics you will see include:

Basketball
Wrestling
Golf
Track and Field
Cheerleading
And many more competitions

We also celebrate excellence in:

Lakota Language
Academic and Knowledge Bowls
Hand Game Tournament
Art Show
Storytelling
E-Sports
Business Competitions

Our 48th Year Opens to Students Nationwide

This year, we open our doors to all students nationally who wish to attend.
In this, our 48th year, we will also honor our Veterans who have served our country in the military.

From athletics, academics, fine arts, and cultural traditions, we carry on the Lakota Nation Invitational spirit with something for everyone.

The Excitement Is Building

The countdown begins as we head into another season of fun and competition.
Who will claim the titles this year? You may already have your favorites picked out, but there will no doubt be surprises along the way.

Even with team pride running high, every student who steps into the arena is special to us.
All events bring excitement and energy, and you can almost hear the building roar of the crowd already.

Will your team’s colors fly high at the end of the week?
The moment is here, and the message to our youth is simple: rise to the occasion and give your very best.
We are proud of you for your commitment, your choices, and the strength you bring to your schools, communities, and to Lakota Nation Invitational.

Enjoy the Experience With Us

We invite you to take in as many events as possible and support all Lakota Nation Invitational student athletes and scholars.

Take a moment to shake the hand of a veteran, or a former Lakota Nation Invitational participant now attending college, trade school, or serving in the military and home for the holidays.

Show sportsmanship, gratitude, and encouragement to every participant, every official, and every volunteer who helped make this event possible.

Enjoy the tournament, the pageantry, and the memories waiting to be made.
We hope the 48th Lakota Nation Invitational will be the best yet.

About the Event

Held each December at the foot of the sacred Black Hills in Rapid City, South Dakota, the Lakota Nation Invitational brings together tens of thousands of students, families, educators, and supporters both in person and online. In addition to the athletic, academic, and cultural competitions already celebrated, the event also features activities such as Volleyball, Cross-Country, Poetry Slam, Powwow, Chess, Skateboarding, and Archery, with even more categories planned as the LNI continues to grow.

The Invitational is strengthened by an incredible network of volunteers and community partners, guided by Founder Bryan Brewer and the Lakota Nation Invitational Board. Together, they have built an annual gathering capable of uniting both Native and non-Native communities through learning opportunities, workshops, and shared experiences rooted in WoLakota. Every year, the LNI carries forward its purpose — to uplift youth, celebrate excellence, and create a space where friendship, respect, cultural pride, and positive memories thrive.