In this time of uncertainty, Native communities are being disproportionately impacted. It takes only a few minutes to donate and provide food, supplies and employment to Tribal members on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
About the Tipi Raiser's Covid-19 Action Initiative
Working closely with Tribal authorities on proper safety measures, we have launched the Covid-19 Action Fund and Initiative in April to employ Tribal workers as we 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, your financial support to the Covid-19 Action Fund will help us keep this effort moving!
As of mid-July we passed the halfway mark to our goal to raise $100,000.00 so that we may expand our reach and continue to provide employment and provide assistance to as many families as possible in need of critical food and supplies. Please see the graphics below for ways YOU can help!
Over 200 families have been assisted with employment, food and supply boxes since launching the Covid-19 Action Initiative in April!
*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.
Providing Employment, Food & 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 boxes to the families in their communities who are most in need. YOUR SUPPORT will help us sustain this effort! Thank you!
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
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
