Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear officially started Crazy Horse Memorial June 3, 1948. The Memorial's  mission is to honor the culture, tradition and living heritage of North American Indians.

Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation demonstrates its ongoing commitment to this promise by following these objectives:

• Continuing the progress on the world’s largest mountain sculpture, carving a memorial to the spirit of legendary Lakota leader Crazy Horse and his culture;

• Providing educational and cultural programming to encourage harmony and reconciliation among all people and nations;
• Acting as a repository for Native American artifacts, arts and crafts through the   

Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center;

• And by establishing and operating, when practical, the American Indian University and Medical Training Center.