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 cancellations (new date announcements TBD): 

• 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

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

In adherence with directives and guidance of various Tribal and medical authorities, we hope to be useful in helping to mitigate the likely impact of the Coronavirus on the already impoverished realities that exist on Pine Ridge. We will continue to work with those supporters around the world who have expressed their concern and desire to help. Rather than host an in-person donations drive we can coordinate "socially responsible" drop-offs for those who who would like to donate any of the below items. We are also seeking funds to help us procure needed supplies and will follow CDC suggested protocols and tribal orders to safely purchase, quarantine and distribute them.
 
Below is a partial list of those needed items:
 
Technology items to support required online school and working remotely

• Laptops
• Tablets
• Phones
• Wi-fi mobile hotspot subscriptions

Food and needed supplies

• Sanitation Supplies (bleach, anti-bacterial wipes, cleaners, hand-sanitizer, etc.)
• Personal Hygiene Supplies (including toilet paper)
• Non-perishable food
• Diapers and Formula
• Dog Food

As much as possible we will be working directly with wholesalers and retailers to obtain these items and with tribal members already on Pine Ridge to safely distribute them.

 We recognize that many of you find yourselves concerned for your own financial well-being and possibly already losing wages due to the Coronavirus, please know we fully understand if you are not in a position to give financially at this time – please reach out to us if you would like to explore other ways you can help at this time. And to all of you, we wish you ease and grace through these uncertain times.

If donating, please select the "Ensuring Needed Supplies/Food" designation or contact us if you would like to discuss other ways you can help during this time!

Donate Here

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