Jacob Wike

Jacob Wike is currently a freshman at Dakota Wesleyan University. Jacob’s strength and identity comes from his baby brother, grandmother, and the rest of his large family. He is incredibly grateful for the life lessons bestowed upon him by his family members and the many memories he has made with them, from running state-level cross country with his brother, Mackenzie, to having the honor of participating in the sacred sundance ceremony with his grandfather. One of the most important lessons he learned came from his father, who told him, “Work hard and what is yours will come.” This quote rang especially true when Jacob had to take it upon himself to save his paychecks and pursue scholarships “like a cheetah chasing a gazelle” because his family would not be able to afford to pay for his college education. One of Jacob’s most important life goals is to become a cultural leader and shift his community towards embracing a traditional, Lakota way of life like himself and his family. He hopes that it will help Native American people who struggle with substance abuse and addiction.