Raycen Raines facts for kids

Raycen American Horse Raines, whose birth name was Raycen Ballard, is a person who served in the United States Navy. He is also a businessman. Raycen is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

Early Life and Name Change

Raycen Ballard was born either on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation or in Portland, Oregon. His parents were William Ballard and Evelyn Clifford. Raycen joined the United States Navy and later studied at San Diego City College. In 2011, he officially became a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. At that time, he changed his name to Raycen American Horse Raines. He has also used other names like Raycen A. Ballard and Raycen C. Rummell.

Working for the Community

Before moving to Pine Ridge, Raycen Raines ran a company called American Horse Consulting. He later worked as a representative for Raindancer Resource Management. In this role, he suggested several ideas to the Oglala Sioux Tribe. These ideas included getting grants for housing and helping small businesses grow. He also proposed a wind farm project. These specific projects were not approved by the tribe. Raycen then started his own companies, American Horse Tribal Development and Wakpamni Lake Community Corporation. These companies aimed to help bring more opportunities to the Pine Ridge Reservation.