On October 21, 2017, the cause for canonization for Nicholas Black Elk was formally opened by the Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota, paving the way for the possibility of him one day being recognized as a saint. He is now designated as a "Servant of God."^[18] His work to share the Gospel with Native and non-Native people and harmonize the faith with Lakota culture were noted at the mass.^[19]