RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- 300 backpacks, stuffed to the zipper with school supplies were given to students in need by NDN Collective in Rapid City Tuesday.

Mary Bowman is an educator and NISN Fellow with NDN Collective, and said the group is serving a major need in the community.

Bowman said for the needs of Rapid City though, 300 bookbags will only go so far.

Bowman, an indigenous educator, says events like these help younger indigenous students during their time at school.

Other school supply programs have also seen success in the region as the school year starts back up.