Meet Some of our Volunteers in the Race to Winterize
(If you volunteered in the Race and would like to be featured here please send us a picture and a statement about your experience):

“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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