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: KAREN CHURNSIDE
"Once upon a time a young indigenous girl saw a shy, young Finnish girl struggling to learn a strange language. She reached out and helped this shy newcomer to learn and adjust. This newcomer, my mother, always remained a little shy but never forgot the help that was given to her when she started school with only a little English. For over 9,000 years the area where I grew up was a peaceful gathering place for fishing and trading. That changed with the discovery of gold, settlers moving in to farm the land, and the final blow, the construction of the great dams blocking the return of the salmon.
I was only partially aware of this history as I was growing up and over the years have tried to learn more about the history and interactions of Native and non-Native people in this country. I’ve looked for ways to pay forward the kindness of the young Indian girl who helped my mother but have been cautious of organizations that might want to do what is “best” for others. I figure I have about 10 good years left to be actively involved so when The Tipi Raisers offered a work trip to Pine Ridge in 2019, we took a leap of faith that The Tipi Raisers was an organization that was working “with” the people there. Working alongside the other volunteers with support, instruction, and laughter from the people who live at Pine Ridge has given me hope that little by little and step by step we can learn and heal.
We are truly connected to all around us and these opportunities shine light on that connection. The generosity and support of our friends and neighbors has been amazing and I truly thank them all. I see such abundance in the world and I’m delighted to work with The Tipi Raisers to spread it around. Shine on.
Karen signs off all her communications with "Shine on". It is not lost on us that this is a woman who shines the light of love and compassion on everyone she comes into contact with! Karen has joined several volunteer service trips on Pine Ridge over the years, as well as taking on projects from her home in Boulder. From holding a blanket drive in her community last winter and delivering them to our storage unit in Denver, to sponsoring a GoFundMe page for our friend Kevin Poor Bear's wheelchair, Karen rises to the occasion with diligence and enthusiasm! And as if this isn't enough, Karen and her husband Jim, are Tiospaye Circle Members!
One of the greatest gifts born from following this Tipi Raiser's path is meeting people like Karen and getting to know how pure their hearts and intentions are. Everything Karen takes on is a labor love, it is clear that she is one of those rare humans who seems to genuinely source her joy and purpose from being in service!
