The Memorial March to Honor Lost Children first took root in 2002, when devoted Sioux City community members Frank LaMere and Judy Yellowbank came together in mourning, resistance, and love. Their goal was clear: to remember Native American children lost to the foster care system, to speak out for justice, and to begin the long walk toward healing in a community in deep need of both remembrance and reconciliation.
This annual gathering grows each year, drawing together Native families, Elders, advocates, youth, and allies during November, contrasting National Adoption Awareness Month with voices that refuse to be silenced. Though the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was enacted in 1978, many Native children still face separation from their families and culture, challenges Judy and Frank sought to bring into the light.
The march begins in ceremony: prayer, drum, and story. Elders share wisdom, families hold memories, and the air fills with remembrance. Participants walk in silence through Sioux City, carrying photos, signs, eagle feather staffs, and the weight and dignity of loss. Silence here is not emptiness; it’s the loudest statement of presence.
Over time, the march has expanded its impact through partnerships with tribal organizations, social justice groups, educators, and community leaders. These collective efforts have helped improve communication with child welfare agencies, raise awareness of the ongoing disparities facing Native children, and offer healing and hope in community support.
Each year, we walk for those we lost, for those still seeking, and for those yet to come. We carry their stories. We hold their names. We commit to lasting change, a Sioux City where every child is safe, known, and surrounded by community.
Our History
Our Future
The Urban Native Center in Sioux City plays a vital role in the lives of Native youth and families by providing cultural grounding, leadership development, trauma-informed support, and pathways to success. Their mission aligns with the spirit of the Memorial March, to uplift and protect Native children, and to ensure their stories are heard, honored, and carried forward.
Cultural Identity & Traditional Knowledge
Through hands-on programming, youth are reconnected with their Indigenous identity by learning:
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Traditional arts like beading, ribbon work, and drum/singing
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Storytelling and language instruction in Ho‑Chunk, iSantee, and Omaha
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Seasonal teachings and community ceremonies
These cultural teachings provide more than skills, they rebuild pride, connection, and cultural memory.
Leadership Through the “Youth War Party”
The Youth War Party program encourages Native youth to become leaders in their communities. Young people take on responsibility in:
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Cultural events
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Peer mentorship
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Public speaking and advocacy
They learn how to stand up, speak out, and lead with humility and purpose.
Healing Trauma, Building Resilience
Through the SUNS (Strengthening Urban Natives) program, the Center provides trauma-informed support for youth affected by violence or instability. Services include:
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Conflict resolution and emotional support
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Family engagement
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Relationship and communication skills
This program helps youth process pain while building the tools to move forward with strength.
Education & Graduation Support
By working with Sioux City schools and families, the Urban Native Center is raising graduation rates for Native youth, providing:
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Academic tutoring and mentorship
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Cultural relevance in education
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Advocacy within the school system
Recent years have shown a remarkable increase in graduation rates, proving that when Native students are seen and supported, they succeed.
Community, Advocacy & Belonging
The Center hosts youth councils, talking circles, and community gatherings, offering a safe and affirming space where Native youth can speak their truths, build friendships, and connect with elders. They also provide advocacy services to help youth and families navigate social services, legal systems, and educational barriers.
“People need to come to the realization that Natives are here. And that we’re going to stay for a very long time.”
- Jarius Harlan, Omaha Nation Public School Senior
Shared Mission, Shared Healing
The Memorial March to Honor Lost Children and the Urban Native Center are united in a shared vision: a world where Native children are safe, connected to their identity, and surrounded by a strong, loving community.
Let us continue to walk together, for the children we lost, and for those who are still finding their way home.
