​TOKALA SOCIETY

In many Indigenous cultures there are "societies" established for those members of the tribe who are known to sacrifice for the good of others, putting their people before themselves. In the Lakota culture, this is known as a Tokala Society. The Tipi Raiser's have identified Tokalas in various communities on Pine Ridge and we provide them with a stable wage in exchange for their service and responsiveness to needs that arise among the most vulnerable in their communities. 

TOKALA & FIREWOOD BANK MANAGER
Norbert (Nobby) Bell

We call Nobby the "Keeper of the Firewood". Nobby tells a story that while sharing a meal with Tipi Raisers volunteers in 2017, he overheard a conversation about the need for a place to store firewood to families on the Pine Ridge reservation. A tribal elder dedicated to the concept of Tokala, Nobby chimed in: “If you’re looking for someone to help get the wood out to the people, I live right next door.”

To this day, Nobby still oversees our firewood program on Pine Ridge. He shared with us that his traditional ways inspire him to help us get firewood to those who need it, and we are grateful every day for his selfless spirit and the humble leadership with which he chops, organizes, and directs firewood to families in need of warmth. Thanks to Nobby's efforts, the Tipi Raisers has regularly provided firewood and wood bricks each year for over 75 families and individuals - many of them elders.

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TOKALA & FOOD AND DONATION TEAM
Aimee White Pipe | Jamie Ghost

Aimee White Pipe and Jamie Ghost are Tribal members who embody the selflessness of the Tokala. They are pillars of their local community on Pine Ridge, providing crops from their garden to elders, repairing their neighbors homes, and beautifying the neighborhood landscape in their free time. They are also integral to our food box program, making deliveries of needed food and supplies to the 30 families we serve each month.

TOKALA & LAKOTA LANGUAGE CLASS TEACHER
Tom Hollow Horn

Tom Hollow Horn is a leader in the Wounded Knee district with a deep commitment to caring for the youth and elders of his community. He is the first to help identify the needs of those around him and connect them with resources, and serves as a mentor to many in Wounded Knee. He is dedicated to the preservation and amplification of Lakota culture, and has served as an instructor of the Tipi Raiser's Lakota Language Class for four years.

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TRIBAL CONTRACT LABORERS

Since 2015, Tipi Raisers has provided contract employment to over 350 Native workers from various tribes. Jobs range from housing repair, firewood support, transport, event support and food/donations organization and delivery. 

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dave Ventimiglia

Contact Dave at: [email protected]

In addition to traditional Executive Director duties, Dave can be found on reservations during Volunteer Service trips, leading Gen7 youth programs, riding horses on the annual 4 Directions Ride and at the Tipi Raiser’s hub working with volunteers to gather, organize and distribute food and supplies. Dave is a liaison to the Tribal members and communities we serve and to the Tipi Raisers Board of Directors.  Along with staff, the Board and other collaborators, Dave ensures the day to day integrity and effectiveness of each of the programs in service of the organization's vision and mission.

Prior to being asked to lead Tipi Raisers in 2011 by two Tribal members, Dave spent the first 20 years of his professional career working with at-risk youth -- including leading expeditions into the Badlands of South Dakota, where he was first directly exposed to the teachings, culture and current realities of the Lakota people on Pine Ridge. 
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“Through this work I have discovered a passion for walking and working with Native communities and our volunteers as we alleviate conditions of poverty, amplify Indigenous wisdom and begin to heal the shared historical trauma. The medicine of the horse and the beauty of the places, cultures and teachings makes this the most fulfilling work I could imagine”.

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DIRECTOR of ADVANCEMENT
Lori Ventimiglia

Contact Lori at:
[email protected]

Much of Lori’s work is behind the scenes: directing communications, fundraising and development at the Tipi Raisers.  When Lori isn't writing grants, supporting ED (and husband) Dave or strategizing with Communications Manager Mackenzie, you might find her helping out at the hub, running the annual Holiday Gift Drive and joining the occasional Volunteer Service trip.  Lori is always happy to spend time getting to know supporters and volunteers and invites you to hop on a call with her anytime to learn more about how you can get involved with the Tipi Raisers!

Prior to joining the Tipi Raisers, Lori opened an elementary charter school in the community in which the couple were raising their three children. That led to a position she held for six years as the New School Development Director at the Colorado League of Charter Schools. While there, Lori gained valuable experience in startup nonprofits, communications and grant writing that prepared her for her role at the Tipi Raisers.
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“There are moments when I find myself daunted by the vastness of our mission and the realities facing those we aim to serve.  And, almost without fail, it is at those times that I am uplifted by the daily kindness and selfless acts of our supporters and volunteers. As well as by the very Indigenous wisdom we seek to amplify”.

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COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Mackenzie Tilton

Contact Mackenzie at:
[email protected]

As the secret agent behind the Tipi Raisers social media and communications channels, Mackenzie shares compelling stories and images. She can also be found behind the camera or interviewing volunteers and Tribal members during service trips and at special events.  While communications are her main focus, you will often find her assisting volunteers at our Lafayette Hub, working with our team to plan and implement events, or poorly strumming her guitar around the campfire during a service trip. 

After volunteering with The Tipi Raisers in 2017 on Pine Ridge, Mackenzie immediately felt the call to stay connected to the Tipi Raisers community. Throughout the rest of her college career and two-year stint as a high school teacher in Louisiana, she kept bugging Executive Director Dave and Director of Advancement Lori for opportunities to help with the Tipi Raisers’ ongoing work. Her heart was always out here with the Native communities served by the organization, and so she officially joined the team in the summer of 2021.

“I firmly believe that the greatest change occurs when people of all kinds work together, dream together, walk together. As a member of the Tipi Raisers team, it is an honor to walk alongside relatives from so many backgrounds, Native and non-Native, towards a shared dream of abundance, reconciliation, and community.”