The Tipi Raiser's Covid-19 Action Initiative

About the Action Initiative

Working closely with Tribal authorities, we have launched the Covid-19 Action Fund and Initiative to collect and distribute food and supplies to families on Pine Ridge who have been identified by their community as being most impacted. As this global economic crisis disproportionately impacts the already impoverished reservation, the Covid-19 Action Fund will help us keep this effort moving and provide the food and critical supplies listed below:

Sanitation Supplies (bleach, anti-bacterial wipes, cleaners, hand-sanitizer, etc.) | Personal Hygiene Supplies | Toilet Paper Food (fresh and non-perishable) | Basic Medical Supplies & Extra-Strength Tylenol| Diapers | Formula | Dog Food | Coffee Face Masks |Games and Card Decks |Water Gallons

If YOU can help in our effort to get food and supplies to those families on Pine Ridge most in need, please donate below:

Covid-19 Action Fund

---

Distribution Safety Protocols

*We are collecting and distributing food and supplies using the  authorized safety protocols below:

• Orders will be made in advance in nearby Rapid City and/or Chadron. We have contracted with Lakota workers living off of Pine Ridge to pick up, load and transport supplies.
• Supplies will be transported to a waiting vehicle on the reservation line and disinfected prior to transferring.
• Disinfecting will be done by spraying a diluted bleach solution on each package.
• All participants will wear masks and gloves and adhere to recommended social distancing.
• The supplies will be transported from the reservation line by permitted workers who live on Pine Ridge currently and will be again disinfected and delivered for 24 hour quarantine in Tipi Raiser's base camp.
• After a 24 hour quarantine, the supplies will be delivered directly to the families.

*These protocols may change as the situation evolves.

Want to discuss other ways you can help during this time?Please contact us!

REFLECTIONS

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

Over 150 Food and Supply Boxes delivered since launching the Covid-19 Action Initiative in April!

Colorado Front Range (Social Distance) Food and Supply Drive- now through May 14th:

Help Us Provide Food and  Supplies to Families on Pine Ridge

We have hired Lakota Tribal members already living on Pine Ridge to sanitize and distribute desperately needed food and supply bundles to the families in their communities who are most in need.  YOUR SUPPORT will help us sustain this effort!

---

List of 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
• June Navajo Nation Gen7 Retreat
• July LakotaRide