Our Story

History of Woihanble Fund

The Woihanble Fund, meaning “Dream Fund,” was born out of Clay Haddock’s lifelong passion for art, culture, and community empowerment. Growing up, Clay faced challenges with communication due to a tongue-tie but found his voice through art. Inspired by his great-great-grandfather, artist George deForest Brush, who celebrated indigenous peoples in his work, Clay’s journey led him to explore Native American cultures and their rich traditions. This inspiration drove Clay to create Native American-inspired art throughout high school, some of which can be seen across the site’s pages. He received a grant from Carleton College, founded by alumnus Peter Hill, to spend the summer following his freshman year on Pine Ridge, helping create illustrations for a Lakota language curriculum.

Clay on a horse.

A transformative experience at Pine Ridge Reservation solidified Clay’s commitment to helping others. After spending a summer working at Red Cloud Indian School, Clay formed deep connections within the community, particularly with Adriano, a Lakota teenager. Through their friendship, Clay immersed himself in the history, traditions, and challenges of the Lakota people, inspiring his desire to give back and support the next generation of leaders from Pine Ridge.

The name “Woihanble Fund” was thoughtfully suggested by Alejandro Rama, Adriano’s older brother. Alejandro is also the founder of Warrior Mindset, the first recipient of the Woihanble Fund. Warrior Mindset is dedicated to fostering resilience, strength, and a solid sense of identity in young individuals.

By hosting youth basketball camps, organizing community events, offering personal training, and providing inspirational public speaking, Warrior Mindset aims to cultivate future leaders who honor their cultural heritage while striving for success both on and off the court.

Warrior Mindset basketball camp.

The Woihanble Fund aims to empower young adults on the Pine Ridge Reservation by providing grants and opportunities to pursue their dreams, whether through entrepreneurship, furthering education, or developing practical skills. We believe in the power of hands-on experiences to inspire growth, fostering resilience and leadership for a stronger future.

The Woihanble Fund not only offers financial support but also mentorship and opportunities for personal development, ensuring that young people have the tools they need to turn their dreams into reality.