We have been truly humbled by the many volunteers who show up in so many different ways and whom without we could not accomplish our mission-critical activities. From collecting material donations to hosting Lakota families in their homes or strategic thought-partnership; our volunteers have become central to our ability to make a positive impact on Pine Ridge. This web-page is dedicated to our featured volunteer and will be updated quarterly.
FEATURED VOLUNTEER: PANSY WEASEL BEAR
"My name is L. Pansy (Two Bulls) Weasel Bear. I am a mother of six daughters, grandmother and lifelong resident of the Pine Ridge reservation which doesn't mean that I haven't been anywhere. Besides my job, I enjoy volunteering with the Tipi Raisers organization. I see, first hand, the many families of our people that they help in many ways from personal hygiene care and food boxes to giving firewood to those in need. I enjoy watching our youth flourish in the Gen7 Youth Leadership program. And I enjoy meeting good people who come to help in certain ways and build friendships!! 2020 hindered a lot of work and fun but we made it and hope for better days to come!! Respect is to admire the success and work of another... if we did this, we would support those around us who make positive change!! Hecetu... Wopila, Mitakuye Oyasin".
Pansy has been a part of our Tipi Raiser's family for almost three years now. Pansy works full time on Pine Ridge but in her spare time, has always selflessly and joyfully volunteered with the Tipi Raisers. She regularly helps to pack food and supplies for our COVID response efforts or helps with cooking and cleaning when we have volunteer groups visiting our base camp on Pine Ridge. But it is Pansy's mere presence that we are most grateful for. When Pansy joins Gen7 gatherings or volunteer groups, she shows up as a valued Lakota elder; through her storytelling, her teachings around Lakota wisdom and values, her openness to meet new friends and visit new places, her quick wit and sense of humor and through her love for family and for the young people, Pansy is a true gift in our community and we count ourselves blessed to work and play alongside of her!
