INDIGENOUS WISDOM

One of the central themes to our mission is sharing Indigenous wisdom.  This is always done in consultation with guidance from our First Nations friends and is done in the spirit of honoring - and learning from - as it is our belief that society as a whole desperately needs exposure to indigenous beliefs, values and ways of life if there is to be healing as a People and a planet.  Multiple times a year, our Lakota friends travel to the Colorado front-range to share their culture and wisdom.

​To schedule a school presentation, email us at info@thetipiraisers.org

​Volunteer Service Trips

Another way Indigenous wisdom is shared is through a Volunteer Service Trip.  
These can be designed to fit the schedule of your particular group and customized trips combine cultural experiences, service and recreation. If you belong to a school, university, business, church, etc. and would like to arrange a Volunteer Trip for your community/group please contact us to discuss scheduling and how best to customize a volunteer trip for your group.

On-Site Cultural Experiences Include:

Community Dinners
Occasionally volunteer groups will host or attend a community dinner in which we share a meal with local Lakota, play, socialize, cook and clean together. These dinners are a great way to connect with one another – sharing stories, learning about each other’s lives and making new friends.

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Horseback Riding
Ride through the prairies with local Lakota guides while learning about the land, the Lakota’s relationship with horses and their history as a “horse nation”.

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Powwow (wacipi)
A community gathering focused on drumming, dancing, singing and feasting (volunteer groups attend powwows if they coincide with the Volunteer Trips).

Discussions with Elders
Volunteer groups sit with elders to learn about Lakota spirituality and values, indigenous wisdom, accurate historical events, ceremonies and arts and crafts.

Supporting Lakota Artists
Lakota arts and crafts reflect their rich cultural heritage and remain an important aspect of their Lakota identify. Artists are invited to visit our volunteer groups when on Pine Ridge to display their art, conduct live demonstrations as well as teach the history and significance around their chosen medium. Bead-work, quill-work, paintings, jewelry and moccasins are some of the art forms that are shared. Supporting these artists through purchasing their art is an important part of their livelihood on the reservation.