The owner of Thikaga Construction is building quality, affordable homes that are helping make a positive difference on the Pine Ridge Reservation and other Lakota communities across the state. His first project, working for the Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation, is a 34-acre “regenerative community” focused on serving as a catalyst for change on the reservation.

The Woehls both grew up on commercial ranches but had limited their herd to a few grade Angus on their 300-acre spread outside Hot Springs while raising their children. They were drawn to Dexters because of the breed’s overall heartiness and docile temperament. The animal’s smaller size — they’re about half as large as a commercial cow — was a plus given the couple’s limited acreage. At the time Dexters were on the Livestock Conservancy’s endangered list but have since been moved to the watch list after making an impressive comeback.