Operations
KILI Radio stands as a symbol of the unwavering resilience of the Lakota people, emerging in the aftermath of the 1973 Wounded Knee confrontation. In 1977-78, members of the Dakota American Indian Movement (AIM) formed discussion groups to address various political and social needs on the Pine Ridge reservation. Despite the significant challenge of inadequate access to reliable and efficient forms of communication during the uprising, a group was formed to identify these communication issues and propose a solution that would best serve the reservation population.
Previously, the tribal government had attempted to develop television broadcast capacity. Still, it was soon abandoned due to the lack of highly trained technical personnel residing on or near the Pine Ridge Reservation and the shortage of televisions. They also explored the idea of a Citizens Band (CB) radio or telephone network, but the limited accessibility hindered effective communication. An AIM survey estimated that only 1700 telephones were available on the reservation to serve a population of nearly 20,000. Therefore, the study group believed that radio was the best medium to explore, as most households possessed radios and it was appropriate due to the strong oral tradition among the Lakota.
The decision to collaborate with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the tribal government was a testament to the community-driven nature of KILI Radio. When the founders of KILI applied for a planning grant from the Federal Public Telecommunication Facilities Program, they discovered that the Tribe had already received a similar grant. The agency would only give KILI another grant if the tribal government agreed to close out its grant and reported that it had no plans to build a station. After some negotiation, the Tribe complied and used the remaining grant funds to collaborate with KILI on the required community needs assessment survey.
KILI Radio has accomplished a lot over the years, and those associated with the station are proud of their achievements. For instance, one founder described the staff's excitement when their initial test broadcasts led to a sudden barrage of phone calls from around the reservation. They realized that many people must have had their radios already tuned to the station frequency, anticipating the first broadcast of a Lakota-controlled station.
The station has also played a vital role in maintaining the use of the Lakota language by broadcasting programs in Lakota. This has been particularly helpful to those who prefer to speak and listen in their native language. As one staff member put it, "Everyone likes KILI radio. Some people always get mad about some of the programs we air. But, you know, they get mad because they listen to it." [1]
1. "KILI Radio: The Voice of the Lakota Nation" – A teaching Case Study in Tribal Management for Oglala Lakota College by Miriam Jorgensen and Karl Eschbach. Harvard Project on American Indian Development. Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy, John F Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Current State
The KILI Radio facility has served the community well for almost 40 years. The original building was constructed as a “temporary” facility, and It is
time to upgrade and move into a permanent, state- of-the-art building that represents the future for KILI Radio. You can see the current building in the gallery below. (Click the images for a larger view.)
Development Concept
The new facility will not only house the radio station, but will include a gift shop and cultural center that will tell the story of KILI Radio and significant events in our history. One goal of the new facility is to be 100% sustainable, with power and heat being provided by solar panels and wind turbines. You can see the new building concept and floor plan in the gallery below. (Click the images for a larger view.)
New Construction
KILI Radio Announces Capital Campaign to Construct A State-Of-The-Art Radio Broadcasting Center
Porcupine, S.D., June 3, 2024 – KILI Radio is excited to announce the launch of a bold capital campaign titled "40 Years of Resilience, A Voice for Generations to Come." The aim is to raise $5 million over the next three years to build a state-of-the-art broadcasting center, marking a major leap forward in our ability to serve our community with the latest technology.
Campaign Goals and Progress
The new broadcasting center, made possible by your support, will provide advanced broadcasting technology, radio archives, and dedicated research space. This will not only ensure KILI Radio can continue to produce high-quality content and preserve important cultural and historical recordings, but also open up new opportunities for our community to share their stories and voices.
Key Investments and Initiatives
- Construction of a State-of-the-Art Broadcasting Facility: The new facility will include advanced broadcasting technology, radio archives, and dedicated research space. This will ensure that KILI Radio can continue to produce high-quality content and preserve important cultural and historical recordings.
- Transformative Plan for Digital Technology: Investments to adapt and thrive in the digital technology environment, including upgrading digital platforms, enhancing online streaming capabilities, and creating new digital content. This plan aims to expand KILI Radio's reach and accessibility, ensuring listeners can connect with the station through various digital channels.
- Community Outreach Programs: New initiatives to engage and support local communities through health education, economic development, and cultural preservation. This includes collaborations with local health organizations to provide critical information and services to underserved populations.
Early Support and Future Goals
The KILI Radio Capital Campaign is honored to announce the receipt of an inaugural donation of $100,000 from the NDN Collective. This landmark contribution will serve as a steppingstone for our fundraising endeavors as we strive to achieve our goal of raising $5 million to establish a cutting-edge radio broadcasting center.
Impact on Community and Future Plans
KILI Radio is committed to addressing significant community issues encompassing health, education, and cultural preservation through the implementation of new programming, compelling storytelling, events, and digital content. This initiative aims to augment the station's public service role, thereby ensuring its continued relevance for future generations. Subsequent plans involve extending the station's coverage to more remote areas and incorporating interactive and participatory programming to promote community involvement.
About KILI Radio
KILI Radio plays a vital role on the Pine Ridge Reservation by serving as a crucial communication link for the Lakota community and surrounding areas. Since its establishment in 1983, KILI Radio has been an essential source of community news, information, culture, and connection for the Oglala Lakota Nation and beyond. Funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), KILI Radio broadcasts on 90.1 FM and 88.7 FM, covering a wide area that includes the Pine Ridge Reservation and parts of South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming. This extensive coverage ensures that KILI Radio can reach listeners across a large and often remote region, providing essential services and cultural programming to a dispersed audience.
In addition to its routine broadcasting, KILI Radio, in conjunction with other tribal radio stations, functions as a key communication network during natural disasters and emergency situations, including Amber Alerts, earning the moniker "the 911 of Indian Country." These stations play a pivotal role in safeguarding the safety and welfare of their communities by disseminating timely and dependable information in times of crisis.