Growing with Sicangu Co
From Opportunity to Impact🌟
From intern to full-time team member, this newsletter reflects how Siċaŋġu Co invests in people and how those people, in turn, help strengthen our work and community.
Madison Jackson, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, embodies this journey of growth, commitment, and possibility. We’re incredibly proud of Madison and grateful to have had her on the Siċaŋġu Co team for so many years; watching her grow, lead, and continue to show up for her community.
In 2022, Madison first joined Siċaŋġu Co through an internship. Over the next several years, that initial step grew into something much bigger. Between 2022 and 2024, she completed three separate internships, beginning with the very first cohort of the 7Gen Internship Program, followed by a second cohort the next year. Each internship ran for 10 weeks and offered hands-on experience across different areas of the organization.
In Spring 2024, she joined the Sinte Gleska University Internship with our Wolak̇óta Buffalo Range, working under the guidance of Jerrica and TJ Heinert. By Summer 2025, she returned once again; this time as an Assistant Mentor for the fourth 7Gen cohort, helping guide the next generation of interns. Shortly after, she applied for her full-time role.
Today, Madison serves as Grants and Donations Coordinator, working with Siċaŋġu Co’s Finance team; a role she stepped into after years of dedication, learning, and leadership across the organization.
Why Sicangu Co?
The decision to apply for a full-time position was rooted in both growth and balance. While continuing her college education, this role made it possible to work and learn at the same time without sacrificing either.
More than that, Siċaŋġu Co offered an environment that felt familiar, supportive, and deeply motivating. One where growth is encouraged and curiosity is celebrated. The workplace is described as heartwarming. A place where colleagues encourage growth, curiosity, and confidence. Now working in finance, she’s had the opportunity to experience four different parts of Siċaŋġu Co, gaining expansive knowledge of how the organization functions as a whole.
“I love learning new things,” she shared. “Being in this environment keeps me busy in the best way and pushes me to grow where I want to grow.”
Growing Programs, Growing People
That same spirit of growth is reflected across Siċaŋġu Co’s programs. The 7Gen Internship Program continues to evolve, with Learning & Development now expanding to include opportunities for adults working alongside Siċaŋġu Co employees. Alexis White Hat continues to lead this work and strengthen the program’s foundation.
Internships themselves have changed dramatically over the past few years; growing in size, structure, and impact. Siċaŋġu Co now receives a large number of internship applications, a sign of both community interest and trust. Interns gain practical skills in communication, writing, and public speaking, while also learning what it means to show up professionally and purposefully.
A Message to Future Interns and Team Members
For students considering an internship, especially high school or college students, Madison’s advice is simple: apply.
“If your brain is telling you that you can do something, go for it,” she shared. “Put your goals out there and see what comes back through your work and actions.”
This encouragement is especially meaningful for students preparing to leave our reservation for college. Opportunities like these can open doors, build confidence, and help young people see what’s possible.
For those considering employment at Siċaŋġu Co, the message is similar: come prepared, know what you’re applying for, and believe in your ability to contribute. Siċaŋġu Co is described as a healthy community. One that pushes people to succeed, not just individually, but together.
Looking Ahead
Over the past few years, many changes have taken place at Siċaŋġu Co, and even more good things are on the horizon. From expanding internships to strengthening internal systems, the organization continues to grow thoughtfully and intentionally.
Behind the scenes, teams like Finance have been working tirelessly (even on weekends sometimes) to organize, improve processes, and ensure long-term sustainability.
The hope moving forward is that more community members will step into these opportunities, share ideas, and help shape what comes next. Madison’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when long-term investment in people meets commitment, curiosity, and heart. As this story shows, when opportunity meets commitment, growth follows; for individuals, programs, and the entire community.
Madison Jackson
Madi is from Mission, SD and is enrolled in the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. She’s been with Siċaŋġu Co since October 2025 as the Grants and Donations Coordinator. She began her academic journey studying Behavioral Psychology at Riverland Community College, where she also played volleyball (go blue devils). She transferred to Sinte Gleska University to pursue an associate degree in Mental Health, as her interest in psychology continues. She is exploring the possibility of transitioning her studies to a finance-related field.
She previously worked at Ace Hardware for 7 years throughout schooling. During this time, she gained valuable experience in basic book keeping, report analysis, and professional procedures. She is enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead and eager to continue learning and growing in her professional career.
Community Members: Stay Tuned!
7GEN SUMMER YOUTH INTERNSHIP 2026
What is it?
The FIFTH cohort of our 7-week paid internship, made to empower the next generation of leaders with the skills and concepts to use their strengths to create healthy families and communities.
When is it?
May 18, 2026 - July 15, 2026
Applications will open next month (February)!
Who is it for?
local youth 16-24, living within the Siċaŋġu makoce (land).
What you can expect!
Lakota language and culture lessons
Financial Literacy Classes
Leadership strengthening
Professional development skills
Designing a community project
And more!
economic and cultural revitalization by and for the Siċaƞġu Lak̇ot̄a Oyate
27565 Research Park Drive
PO Box 236
Mission, SD 57555
(605) 856-8400