It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved founder and CEO, Charon Asetoyer, who passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025. Charon is a citizen of the Comanche Nation, from the Peneteka band.
Charon was a visionary leader, a fierce advocate, and a deeply respected voice for Indigenous women’s health, rights, and justice. Together with fellow activist and beloved husband Clarence Rockboy, Charon founded the Native American Community Board (NACB) in 1986, marking what would become nationally and internationally recognized dedication to uplifting Native women and communities. With Clarence’s encouragement, Charon grew the NACB to become the Native American Women’s Health Education Resource Center, with its numerous community services and programs. She championed reproductive justice, family safety, community strengthening, and culture with unrelenting passion and wisdom. Charon’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of our mission and the hearts of all who had the privilege to work alongside her.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Charon’s sons, Chaske and Reynolds, and to Chad, Charlotte, Barbara, and the rest of her family, numerous friends, Resource Center staff and the countless individuals whose lives she touched. Her strength, leadership, and spirit will continue to inspire us for generations to come.
Wake and funeral services are being performed by Williard Bruguier and the Native American Church. The wake will begin at approximately 6pm on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Wake services will begin at approximately 4pm on Monday, September 29, 2025 and burial Tuesday morning at the Native American Church cemetery, east of Marty, South Dakota. The wake and wake services will be at the White Swan Community Center, 38303 Cottonwood Lane in Lake Andes, South Dakota. Flowers and condolence cards will be accepted on the family’s behalf at the NACB Resource Center at 809 High Street, Lake Andes South Dakota 57536. 605-487-7072. Donations to the Resource Center in honor of Charon will be accepted at the same address.
The Resource Center will be closed through October 3, 2025 to allow the Resource Center staff and the community the opportunity to care for themselves in this time of grief. When we return, we will be creating a memorial page for Charon on our website to continue to honor the legacy of her work, and the many connections that made it possible.
In Sisterhood and Solidarity,
Katrina Cantrell, Mia Luluquisen, Kim Mettler and Flo Hare
The Native American Community Board