WHO WE ARE |
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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 Tokalas receive a stable wage in exchange for their service and responsiveness to needs that arise among the most vulnerable in their communities.
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Norbert (Nobby) Bell is the "Keeper of the Firewood". Nobby tells a story that while sharing a meal with Tipi Raisers volunteers on Pine Ridge in 2017, he overheard a conversation about the need for a place to store and distribute 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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Darryl Slim is a traditional Diné (Navajo) Wellness Educator who grew up on the Navajo Nation in Arizona. In that capacity, he conducts ceremonies, holds group healing circles and provides individual mentoring.
Darryl oversees our Tipi Raising ceremonies, provides cultural and spiritual guidance to the organization and to those who join us in this work. Darryl grounds all Tipi Raiser's gatherings in presence and beauty. |
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Executive Director of Ti Ikciya Pa Slata Pi/The Tipi Raisers since 2011, Dave grew the organization from its humble beginnings. He oversees all of the programming and is directly involved in running the volunteer trips, food and material donations, special events and the Gen7 Youth Leadership and Development program.
Prior to joining the Tipi Raisers, Dave spent over 15 years running a wilderness therapy program for at-risk youth in which service trips in Native communities were often incorporated. |
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Lori joined Tipi Raisers in 2018 where she manages communications, grants and fundraising. Lori also works with the Tipi Raiser's team to execute special events and assist with day to day general operations.
Prior to joining The Tipi Raisers, Lori opened an elementary school in her community and subsequently held the New School Development Director position at the Colorado League of Charter Schools for six years. In that role, Lori assisted over 50 new schools in opening their doors and received and managed over 1.5 million dollars in grant funding. |
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Mackenzie is a previous Tipi Raiser's "Featured Volunteer"! She joined service trips and took on remote projects for the organization for several years before joining the team in 2021. Mackenzie manages the Tipi Raiser's social media and is pivotal in helping to both communicate and execute all programs and initiatives.
Formerly a Teach for America teacher, Mackenzie has quickly become a critical member of our team supporting the advancement of all programs of the organization as well as assisting with grant seeking, donor platform management and communications. |
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Sharon has been working in the accounting field for many years. She is also a counselor and previously worked in the faith community as a minister. Sharon joined the Tipi Raisers team in early 2020 and is enjoying the process of setting up a great system "so that the rest of the team can concentrate on doing what they do best"!
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