The Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers is a Tribal non-profit organization in Pipestone, Minnesota, that was formed in 1996 by local Native Americans and tribal leaders to protect and educate the public about the nearby pipestone quarries.
The Keepers founding president was Bud Johnston and VP Travis Erickson. They are both still active. The current board is Bud Johnston president, Leon Carney vice president and Rona Johnston treasure-secretary. Keepers has members all over the world — more than half are tribal members from over 35 different tribes.
Keepers bring both national and international recognition to Pipestone by traveling all over the world to present and educate people about American Indian history and culture. Keepers President Bud Johnston has taken American Indian dance groups to Europe several times to allow tribal youth to showcase their talent and community to the world.
The organization works with local Native American organizations to provide goods and resources to local Indian reservations, as well as with schools and prisons to help people understand tribal culture.
