WHO WE ARE |
WHO WE ARE |
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. |