In April of 2020 we launched the Covid-19 Action Fund and Initiative. Our incredible community of supporters rallied and the Action Fund helped to employ Tribal workers to collect and distribute food and supplies to families on Pine Ridge who have been identified by their community as being most impacted.
Throughout 2020, in consultation with Tribal entities, we provided regular distributions of needed food and supplies - as well as holiday gifts - to 22 families who are at high risk of marginalization across nine communities on Pine Ridge.
Moving forward, while the Action Fundraiser has ended, we are still accepting donations that will enable our continued effort to support these families and work with them to better understand their needs and their ideas for advancing their own independence and self-determination.
Providing Employment, Food & Supplies to Families on Pine Ridge!
We have hired Lakota Tribal members living on Pine Ridge to safely distribute desperately needed food and supply boxes to the families in their communities who are most in need. YOUR SUPPORT will help us sustain this effort! Thank you!
COVID-19 REFLECTIONS - March 2020
Dear Friends and Relatives-
Some Truths become clearer when we struggle:
Mitakuye Oyasin -- We are all related.
Prayer is powerful.
The Elders have wisdom and experience that the young would do well to pay attention to.
Sacrifices should be taken first by the young and in service to their Elders and their community.
There is much greater strength in family and the larger community than in individual effort and focus.
When there is confusion and fear, the indigenous values of Prayer, Respect, Compassion, Honesty, Generosity, Humility, Courage and Wisdom provide clear guidance and a test for all decisions and actions.
And as Albert Einstein said, “Look deep into Nature and then you will understand everything better.”
The Tipi Raisers was given our name in inipi (sweat lodge). The elders present had some difficulty coming up with a translation for what they heard that night from spirit, but ultimately agreed The Tipi Raisers would be a loose translation. They shared that the concept of "Ti Ikciya Pa Slata Pi", represents this idea of everyone coming together in a reciprocal exchange of community building. We will remain committed to this community - both on off of Pine Ridge - as we navigate these uncertain times. And to those of you who have asked - or are wondering - how you can help please stay tuned as we are in touch with officials on Pine Ridge and are determining in what ways this amazing community can offer meaningful support!
Please be well our friends and relatives, take care of yourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually and reach out to one another - or to us - for support and authentic connection. Wopila,
Lori and Dave
List of Covid related cancellations (when applicable, we will announce new dates):
Lafayette College Spring Break Volunteer Service Trip
Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning Spring Break Volunteer Service Trip
Sewing for Beginners with Pansy Weasel Bear
Drumming and Singing Instruction with Silas Red Cloud
Gen7/Rocky Mountain Climate Justice Summit with PeaceJam
April Open Volunteer Service Trip
April Appliance and Mattress Drive with Hot Springs, SD Partner
