Meet Some of the Volunteers from the 2018 Race to Winterize

“The most rewarding part of working with The Tipi Raisers is meeting new people, listening to their stories, and continuing to build relationships with people I’ve met every time I return. The Lakota are wise, beautiful and humble. My experiences with them have enriched my life in so many ways.” -Erica 

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​“There are not enough words in any language to describe what Pine Ridge means to me, or to describe the feeling I have every time I return. It has become my second-home.” - Taelyr

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​“Each trip to Pine Ridge with The Tipi Raisers is filled with rewarding physical labor, laughter, story telling, and shared meals, along with often silent, and sometimes difficult, relationship building. I continue to be enriched by the Lakota wisdom and humbled by their skill and hard work.” -Becky 

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-​“This was my first trip to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, but I can guarantee it won’t be my last. The experiences I had were unlike any others I’ve ever had. I got to help make a difference for some of the Native people in the short time I was there, which was so rewarding, but beyond that, I was able to make connections with the amazing people who live on Pine Ridge that will last a long time. Going up to Pine Ridge allowed me to be more honest with myself and it is an experience I will never forget.”
-Zoe 

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​“This trip meant a lot to me because it gave me a different perspective on life.” – Estrella

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“My first visit to Pine Ridge was truly an emotionally captivating experience. Seeing how little people have and coming home and seeing so little attention to such a big problem blows my mind. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and I can’t wait to see this ignorance slowly be brought to attention.” -Madelyn 

​“I never thought I could have so much fun volunteering.” -JJ

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 "It's good to get away from life because you get so caught up in it and it's stressful.  I'm more at peace out here".  -Miles

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"This experience has given more to me than to those I wish to help because giving feels so good! Making those connections and experiencing a different culture helps me to grow". - Kelli

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