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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.

Thank you for your donation!

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About the Tipi Raiser's Covid-19 Action Initiative

Working closely with Tribal authorities on proper safety measures, we 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!

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Over 225 families have been assisted with employment, food and supply boxes since launching the Covid-19 Action Initiative in April!

Covid-19 Action Fund

Covid-19 Action Initiative Food/Supply Drive:

Covid-19 Action Fund MATCHING Fundraiser:

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Providing Employment, Food & Supplies to Families on Pine Ridge!

We have hired Lakota Tribal members already 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 Action Fund

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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

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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
• June Navajo Nation Gen7 Retreat
• July LakotaRide