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 in the Indigenous communities we serve. This web-page is dedicated to our featured volunteer and will be updated quarterly.
FEATURED VOLUNTEERS: Bruce, Elisabeth, and Alwena
This kind and hard-working family unithas been walking with us for several years now! Not ones to shy away from spirited horses, loud chainsaws, and long haul visits to all three reservations we serve, Bruce, Elisabeth, and their daughter Alwena form a critical and beloved part of our volunteer community.
At the drop of a hat, they are always willing to jump into action to drive firewood and food up to Pine Ridge, repair homes with us on the Hopi and Navajo Nations, or feed and love on our horse herd here in Lafayette. Together, they embody the spirit of side-by-side, multi-generational service that we strive to center in all that we do, and they inspire us with their dedication to the Indigenous communities we serve.
It’s such a joy to work alongside this selfless family! We thank them for all that they do to move our mission forward.
Read on to hear from each member of the family about what this work means to them:
"I first heard of The Tipi Raisers through our local newspaper, the Boulder Daily Camera, which was reporting on the LakotaRide many years ago. I was in awe of the event and the service provided but back then, never thought of being involved with the Tipi Raisers as a possibility. Then, 4 years ago, a friend of ours who was involved with The Tipi Raisers through his church told us about the needs of the Pine Ridge community, and my husband went up to South Dakota in October to help cut wood and bring it to Pine Ridge.
The following May, we heard that volunteers were needed for a one week trip to Pine Ridge, and this was when I joined in with my husband and daughter. I cherish the memories of that trip, feeling honored to have met many members of the Lakota community, learning about their lives and being shown around and told the history at Wounded Knee. Together, we sorted out and boxed donations so they would go to families in need, cleaned up and organized a tool shed, which I loved doing with my teenage daughter, and… met the Horses. Little did I know that in 2023, the Tipi Raisers would move their headquarters to Lafayette, where we live, and bring the herd over with them, which, as a horse lover, would lead me to have the privilege to care for and connect with the horses on a more regular basis (see pic). I love it when my daughter joins me, like when we were cleaning the horses’ water tank.
The Tipi Raisers exemplify what it means to be of service. Events – whether they are community service days, trips to Pine Ridge or the Hopi Reservation in Arizona, Nagi Circles or wrapping presents for Christmas- are rich in connection. Everyone contributes the skills they have and even gets to acquire new ones: I learned to use a chainsaw which never was on my bucket list 😉 What prevails is always togetherness… …Mitakuye Oyasin… Yes, we are all related and we can all learn what it really means by volunteering and/or participating in the numerous events organized throughout the year. Wopila Tipi Raisers."
- Elisabeth Denizot
"When my friend Ed asked if I wanted to join their church group on a volunteer service trip to Pine Ridge in 2021, I jumped at the chance. I'd taught Native high school students in summer Upward Bound programs when I was younger and those experiences stuck with me and made me eager to get involved with Native communities again, and edging toward retirement I knew I wanted to spend more time volunteering, like both of my parents had.
I appreciated Dave's various words of wisdom on those first trips preparing us for what to expect, including things like (paraphrasing): "Here's the plan for today, but there's a very good chance that everything will change,” and "Don't worry if you don't accomplish half of what you planned, it's much more important to connect with tribal members that you encounter today.” Though as many people know, I'm a little obsessed with finishing things and have kept working after the rest of the group is long gone a few times in order to finish a project.
I've also appreciated the circles during work trips where we share our thoughts from the day's activities as well as tackling a variety of bigger, thought-provoking existential questions. I wish my feeble memory could've retained some of these discussions, but I still retain the intensity of the feelings involved and they brought back memories of the circles with the Native students from many years ago.
We feel fortunate that The Tipi Raisers' new Hub is so close to us, making it easier for us to be involved, and are very thankful to have been connected with such a thoughtful, caring organization."
- Bruce Barker
"Becoming a part of The Tipi Raisers community has been an immense joy in my life. Not only have I learned so much about Indigenous history, but I have also made some incredibly meaningful friendships with some incredibly amazing people. I feel so fortunate to have found a community of people of such different backgrounds, who have joined together for a purposeful cause. It has amazed me over the years how much has been accomplished, not only with the work done, but with relationships that have been built and that have grown. Each time we have gone on week trips with The Tipi Raisers, the week passes by in what seems like a couple days. I feel so present in the moment during those times, and never want them to end. I will be going to Colorado State University in the fall and hope to still work closely with Tipi Raisers and the wonderful community. Thank you Tipi Raisers, for creating such an amazing family. A family that I am so proud and happy to be a part of."
