Aktá Lakota Awarded “South Dakota Great Place” and “Great Faces”

The Aktá Lakota Museum recently recognition from the South Dakota Department of Tourism and received the 2020 “South Dakota Great Place” award. Selected businesses in South Dakota that demonstrate the highest service and hospitality levels secure the award.

The museum has received recognition every year since 2002 for the “South Dakota Great Place Program.” If chosen as a recipient, the business competes for the George S. Mickelson Award given annually at the South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism. This year, the museum was one of four chosen as finalists for this prestigious award. In addition, museum employees Wanda Bunker and Kyndra Hosek received a letter from the Governor of South Dakota and “Great Faces” certificates.

Museum Director Dixie Thompson is thrilled with the awards and thankful for such a dedicated team who works hard to excel with the upmost customer service for each customer who visits. “The award was a pleasant surprise, I couldn’t be prouder of the staff. Without our frontline staff and the good job they do, we wouldn’t receive these awards,” said Thompson.

To be considered for the “South Dakota Great Place” award, a completed application must include comment cards and comments from customers. In addition, businesses must implement an employee recognition program, participate in a hospitality training, provide examples of updates made to enhance the customer experience and offer information about the business’ involvement in the local tourism industry and community. 

The Aktá Lakota Museum is located in the heart of St. Joseph’s Indian School in the town of Chamberlain, S.D., along the banks of the beautiful Missouri River. The museum tells the unique stories and history of the Northern Plains Native American Tribes as no other museum can. Visitors find themselves connecting personally with the culture and traditions of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people through the elaborate exhibits and interactive programs.

You can visit the Aktá Lakota Museum’s website by clicking here.