17/08/2025
The Lakota Nation Invitational (LNI) is an annual multi-sport and cultural event that will be held in Rapid City, South Dakota, from December 17-20, 2025.
What started as a small basketball tournament in 1976 has grown into one of the largest annual Native American events in the country. It brings together high schools from Indian Reservations across South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming.
While basketball remains a central part of the LNI, the event has expanded to include a wide range of academic, athletic, and cultural competitions and activities. These include:
Sports: Basketball, wrestling, cheerleading, traditional Lakota hand games, and more.
Academics & Culture: Lakota Language Bowl, Knowledge Bowl, student art shows, business plan competitions, and a chess tournament.
Community: The event is also a significant cultural gathering, featuring events like the Grand Entry and a college and career fair.
The LNI takes place at The Monument (formerly the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center). The event provides a space for Native American youth to compete, celebrate their culture, and connect with other communities.
