The South Dakota Hall of Fame is honored to have been awarded a Community Impact Grant from POET, the world’s largest producer of biofuel and a global leader in sustainable bioproducts. The POET Community Impact Grant is a one-time grant, designed to support local nonprofits, schools, churches, earth-friendly groups, and individuals committed to leading projects that will benefit their communities.
The grant will support the 10-year anniversary celebration of the Dignity of Earth & Sky sculpture, taking place Sunday, September 20. The celebration honors community and children by bringing people together to celebrate culture, heritage, and shared values, with space intentionally created for youth recognition and engagement.
At its core, the anniversary celebration is a unifying gathering that uplifts the histories, traditions, and resilience of the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota Nations and all South Dakotans. Hosting the event at a site that symbolizes respect and cultural acknowledgment fosters a sense of shared identity, pride, and connection among Native and non-Native attendees, strengthening community relationships across South Dakota. Full event schedule and additional details will be announced soon.
The Dignity of Earth & Sky sculpture was a gift to the people of South Dakota from Norm and Eunabel McKie of Rapid City. The McKies commissioned sculptor and South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee Dale Claude Lamphere to create the piece, which was dedicated to the state on September 17, 2016.
In 2026, Lamphere and his wife, Jane Murphy, granted assignment of the copyright to the South Dakota Hall of Fame, subject to the terms of a confidential agreement. The Hall of Fame now serves as steward of the image of Dignity of Earth & Sky.
Thanks-South Dakota News Media Association