The SuAnne Big Crow Boys & Girls Club was opened in 1992 in an old plastic factory building, in honor of its namesake. To this day SuAnne remains a legend on the Pine Ridge Reservation for the impact she made socially, academically and athletically - and as a role model for the children. Children still look up to her and strive to be like her. Grandparents and parents use her to encourage and motivate the youth to lead more active and positive lifestyles. The SuAnne Center has continued to make her dream for her people a reality and has made nearly as big an impact on the lives of our youth as she did. SuAnne dreamed of a place where there were no drugs, no alcohol, and no prejudice. A place where everybody got along, supported each other and was proud of each other’s accomplishments. A place she called Happytown.
She started working toward these goals at an early age, always leading by example. After the shock of her tragic death in an automobile accident in 1992, her courageous family and the community decided to take action on SuAnne’s vision by founding the SuAnne Big Crow Boys & Girls Club. SuAnne was on her way to an awards ceremony when she died. The Visions of SuAnne Big Crow Inc. was established to continue her dream and serve youth.
Learn more about SuAnne Big Crow’s life and her vision >>
Ever since its beginning, the Center has had its ups and downs. One of the biggest “ups” was a visit to Pine Ridge by President Clinton, which resulted in the opening of a spectacular new facility, made possibly by four Federal agencies and the cooperation of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The SuAnne Big Crow Boys & Girls Club provided a safe and positive place for the Lakota youth, who desperately need this kind of support. The Reservation has one of the highest teen suicide rates in the nation, and high levels of substance abuse. The club is a drug and alcohol free, safe, and fun place, which promotes self-confidence and self-sufficiency. The new facility has a gym, swimming pool, games room, crafts room, library and a restaurant.
In recent times, the biggest “down” came partly as a result of the Pandemic. Due to lockdowns and loss of funding, the beautiful facility - one of the best in the nation - was forced to close. However, we are now re-chartered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and on the path to being stronger than ever.
