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: BINAH & RASAM THILLAIRAJAH
Pictured left: Rasam (center) assists with the raising of a tipi at this summer's Indigenous Wisdom Summit & Four Directions Ride. Bottom right: Rasam and Tipi Raisers' Horse Woksape on the Four Directions Ride. Top Right: Binah sharing a meal with us at the 2022 Summit & Ride.
If you have attended any of our events in the Denver area within the last couple of years, you know that mother-daughter duo Binah and Rasam Thillairajah are integral to the Tipi Raisers volunteer community. Binah brings her calm and kind Spirit to every event she attends and is the first to volunteer for the many random errands which arise throughout the course of an event like this summer’s Indigenous Wisdom Summit & Four Directions Ride. She embodies the epitome of servant leadership.
Her daughter Rasam brings a curiosity and enthusiasm to our circle each time she joins us. As a Gen7 youth, she has lended a helping hand to countless events and service trips, and has worked to make connections across lines of difference with youth in the communities we serve.
This work takes time, commitment, physical and emotional energy; Binah and Rasam are boundlessly generous with theirs. We remain in deep gratitude to them for their service to the communities with whom we work, for their kindness and dedication, and for the beautiful presence they so graciously share with all of us.
“We are so very thankful for the opportunities The Tipi Raisers have given us to participate and learn from our Native friends.
The pictures show my daughter helping put up one of the tipis used for Indigenous Wisdom Summit and Four Directions Ride. Raising the tipi took many hands working together under the guidance of a Lakota elder. We are so grateful to The Tipi Raisers for providing us with opportunities to get to know and appreciate our Native brothers and sisters.” -Binah Thillairajah
