{"id":61774,"date":"2025-08-01T23:09:44","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T23:09:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ndncollective.org\/?p=61774"},"modified":"2025-08-01T23:29:22","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T23:29:22","slug":"nick-tilsens-evidentiary-hearing-concludes-case-taken-under-advisement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ndncollective.org\/nick-tilsens-evidentiary-hearing-concludes-case-taken-under-advisement\/","title":{"rendered":"Nick Tilsen\u2019s Evidentiary Hearing Concludes, Case Taken Under Advisement","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rapid City, SD \u2013<\/strong> Today, after three days of evidentiary hearings around a case involving NDN Collective<\/a> <\/strong>founder and CEO Nick Tilsen \u2013 two days occurring in June and one taking place today \u2013 the judge has taken the case under advisement, requested finding of fact from each party, and is expected to make a final decision in the coming months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are confident the judge will rule in Nick\u2019s favor after having time to review the evidence and testimonies presented today,\u201d said Wizipan Little Elk Garriott, NDN Collective President. <\/strong>\u201cIn the meantime, NDN Collective\u2019s work to build power for Indigenous people continues.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToday\u2019s packed courtroom illustrates both the support for and significance of Nick\u2019s leadership in Rapid City and beyond,\u201d said<\/strong> Gaby Strong, NDN Collective Vice-President. <\/strong>\u201cNo matter what obstacles are thrown at him, Nick continues to lead with courage and a steadfast commitment to justice.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Nick Tilsen, NDN Collective Founder & CEO, stands with community members in front of a ‘FREE THE PEOPLE, HEAL THE LAND’ banner outside of the Pennington County Courthouse in Rapid City, SD. Photo by Willi White for NDN Collective. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cYou can recognize a true leader when they\u2019re continuously attacked by those committed to upholding the status quo \u2013 which is exactly what\u2019s happening to Nick,\u201d said Norma Rendon, elder and community leader. <\/strong>\u201cThis case is bigger than Nick or any one person \u2013 it\u2019s about protecting the right to free speech and freedom of movement for all people.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was honored to support Nick today alongside so many others who recognize this case as a politically motivated attempt to reverse progress made by and for Indigenous people,\u201d said Bryan Brewer, founder of the Lakota Nation Invitational.<\/strong> \u201cI look forward to NDN Collective\u2019s continued work to build Indigenous power and serve their communities.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support for the charges against Nick to be dropped is clear, with more than 14,000<\/a> signatures on a petition to the Pennington County State\u2019s Attorney\u2019s office.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

###<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NDN Collective<\/em><\/a> is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building Indigenous power. Through organizing, activism, philanthropy, grantmaking, capacity-building, and narrative change, we are creating sustainable solutions on Indigenous terms.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

TO REQUEST AN INTERVIEW CONTACT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

press@ndncollective.org<\/h3>\n\n\n\n