Remembering the Children Memorial

Interstate Engineering provided comprehensive planning, design, and project delivery services for the Remembering the Children Memorial, a meaningful project dedicated to the 50 children who lost their lives at the Rapid City Indian Boarding School. The memorial grew from a grassroots effort led by community members and grandmothers, or uncis, who raised the question, “What about the children?” during the development of the nearby Oyate Health Center. As the vision gained momentum and support, including funding from the Mellon Foundation, the project evolved into a significant place for remembrance, gathering, healing, and education. 

The project required careful coordination among tribal, federal, municipal, and private stakeholders while responding thoughtfully to the cultural and historical significance of the site. Additional challenges included a landlocked property, a limited construction budget, and the need for improvements that could remain functional and sustainable over time. Interstate Engineering worked closely with project leaders and stakeholders to develop an approach that respected regional tribal values and minimized disturbance to the land. 

The design philosophy focused on creating a memorial that “lays lightly on the land.” Development was concentrated primarily within previously disturbed areas, with limited grading to respect archaeological considerations and the significance of the site. Phase One established a setting for memorialization, ceremonies, events, and community gatherings while opening the property to visitors. The design also created opportunities for future interpretation, gathering spaces, and architectural expansion focused on healing, learning, and sharing the history of the children. 

Interstate Engineering supported the project from initial conceptual design through construction and closeout, providing funding assistance, planning, survey, hydrology and hydraulics, civil engineering, landscape architecture, public involvement, construction engineering, observation, and project management. The team also supported grant writing, stakeholder coordination, procurement, and construction administration throughout the process. Completed in spring 2025, the approximately $1.9 million first phase created a lasting place of remembrance while establishing a foundation for the memorial’s continued development and its long-term role in honoring the children and sharing their stories.