Our Volunteers Make All the Difference!

We have been truly humbled by the many volunteers who show up in so many different ways and whom without we could not accomplish all of 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: JANE JACKSON

​Jane began partnering with us in 2018 and, in a span of just a few months, she has driven to Pine Ridge multiple times to deliver donations all across the vast reservation (she even bought a new pick up truck so she could help with donations).  On one of her trips to Pine Ridge, Jane (a retired high school teacher) noticed the lack of any libraries on the reservation and began working with the community of Wounded Knee to establish a small book exchange which has been a great hit with the residents!  Jane reaches out regularly to see how she can help and has proven to be a trusted thought-partner across a variety of areas.  We are touched by how quickly Jane seems to make genuine connections with the Lakota people when she is on Pine Ridge and how she leaves those encounters inspired to help in whatever ways are needed.

"When I first experienced the vast grandeur of South Dakota and Pine Ridge as a youngster, I fell in love with the land. It has taken me many years to connect back with this beauty and mystery, but the feeling of belonging there remains.  I came to the Tipi Raisers because of that, and have found the people I have met and the simplicity of fitting in to the community there, easy and comfortable.
I have found creative ways to spend my energy and the easy camaraderie of the people makes it a delight to focus attention on whatever needs to happen". -- Jane