Rick Pritzkau Independent Living Specialist

Rick Pritzkau, BA

Mr. Pritzkau is a lifelong resident of the Eagle Butte community since 1953. An enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe he has worked with and for the Tribe in various capacities over the many years of service.

His ancestors were the first in Dakota Territory to establish cattle herds from the Misouri River to Black Hawk in the Black Hills. He grew up on the back of a horse so he knows the advantages and disadvantages of equine therapy. Fresh out of high school he made his living ranching and farming along with working construction to make ends meet. Constructing parks around the reservation was part of that phase. In 1986 his family bought and operated a drive-in restaurant, 21 unit motel and 8 unit trailer court after selling livestock and farm machinery due to escalating interest rates. This business was sold in 1991 and he began working for the CRST Headstart program as a nutrition coordinator.

He took enough coursework to come very close to becoming a registered dietician.  He worked during the day and went to college at night at the local community college along with raising seven children.

He graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology / Psychology 1998 and went to work for the tribal wellness program as a CDC.  He became employed by the tribe as an Indian Child Welfare Director for 3 year, and Rural Domestic Violence Prevention Director for almost 3 years but became disabled in 2004. He worked part time as a paralegal and adjunct professor for OLC. He has been part of and chaired many programs over the years always promoting the good parts of being Native American. He is currently working as the lead Independent Living Specialist for the Native American Advocacy Program based in Winner, SD. but working out of his home on Cheyenne River Reservation south of Eagle Butte. He is still an adjunct professor for OLC.