A Message from Rosalie

Ehani Was'te (good day) from the Lakota Nation, South Dakota, I send a strong heart felt hand shake to all of you.

Yes, we worked hard here on our lands, especially the workers and their families and myself to get alternate heat (wood, gas heaters, etc), pampers, food, etc. out to the families that are still without heat and cannot get out of their homes. But, you all must know that this would not have been possible without your help. The trucks we used to haul wood are gas guzzlers.

My brother and his wife along with another worker and her daughters & son-in-law definately would not have been able to deliver without your support for gas and of course the cost of the supplies that needed to get to the families in need.

My brother told me that when he and his wife went to this Grandma's house they were so grateful for the pick up load of wood that it gave them this feeling of overwhelming gratitude to be able to help. He went on to tell me that the Grandma said that she had no more propane and the wood she had was gone. They unloaded and left the Unc'i's (grandma) home with such thankfulness that they were able to be a part of the giving we at One Spirit did. They went on to tell us that the next day they were going to get another load of wood when this elderly man was walking on the highway. They picked him up and took him to the store to get some food supplies and took him home. When they got to his little one room cabin he asked my brother if he would help him start his wood stove. He went inside and said his house was a little on the chilly side and the Grandpa said he was trying to save on his wood. My brother helped him get his stove going and visited him for awhile then told him that he would bring him wood and check on him. The Grandpa was very happy about this.

This morning I took my three grandchildren and prayed with them for all the families in Wanblee and Kyle that are still struggling with having no heat, electricity and some with little or no food. We also prayed for all those that had to leave their homes and are staying at the shelters. We gave thanks for all that we have the water we drink, the air we breathe, the four legged, the winged and the snow that we have. We gave thanks for the warmth and the food we have and we gave thanks for Tunkashila sending the children to us to care for. We prayed for all those that were struggling with alcoholism and drugs as it is a sickness and to have pity for them. We prayed and gave thanks for our children and elders.

And, now I send to you all prayers and thanks from my heart and hope that the great blanket of snow wrap around you and protect you and it does with me and my family.

Wopila (thank you)
Rosalie Janis,
One SpiritLakota Nation - Pine Ridge Lakota Reservation
Manderson, South Dakota

"To The Greatest People I Have Ever Had the Privilege Working With."

From Jeri Baker:

The last few days since the blizzard blew through the plains - and through Pine Ridge Reservation at upwards of 100 miles per hour - have tested the strength of One Spirit and shown the true meaning of this name for our organization. We have delivered food, wood, lamps, blankets, batteries, water, diapers, gas for the vehicles and any other needed supplies. Together we spread the word about the need even before the media was aware of the urgent situations on the reservation. We worked with the Lakota people, supplying them with the materials and resources they needed to reach and care for their people. This was a true international effort that was highly successful. We will soon have numbers to report to you.
It is not quite over yet. There are still a few families that remain stranded. As of last night, they hoped to reach those people. It is still a few days before the electric companies hope to have all service restored. Most important, we begin now to work with the Lakota people to plan for ways that their people can be cared for during the coming winter. Hopefully there will not be another weather situation like this one. But the Lakota people face harsh winters every year. The wood program and the heater program have proven their worth. Project SHARE is a vital resource. The Okini and Youth programs are growing. And we are proud to support the initiatives of the Lakota people to find new and creative ways to expand their economy and care for their people.
You are justified in feeling proud of all that you have done. My thanks and gratitude to each of you.
Love and peace,
Jeri

URGENT! Blankets needed BAD!

Word has come in that blankets are in high need on the rez. There are still a lot of people without electricity, so heaters are not working, and not everyone has a wood stove or fireplace. Please send blankets (good, clean, warm blankets) to the addresses below:
Rosalie Janis
3M N. Manderson or
PO Box 85
Manderson, SD 57756
and/or
John DuBray
28080 Allen Road
Allen, SD 57714

Thank you, as always, for your support in this difficult time.

A Message from Sue Allgood (Donor Services)

In the past 48 hours since the urgent appeal for your help went out, you have responded with your open hearts and pocketbooks to the tune of over $3000. Your caring and generous hearts are sincerely appreciated. You are the kind of people who make this world a better place. On behalf of the entire staff of ONE Spirit and the Lakota brothers and sisters on the Pine Ridge Reservation, we humbly thank you!!

Computers on the Rez

Hello Everyone!

These are 2 pictures of 2 beautiful little girls (as you can see). A computer was donated to their family just recently. Their mom reads and writes very little, but is using the computer to increase her skills. Their father uses it to advertise his beadwork on eBay. He has beautiful medallions posted there. The girls use it to do their homework. As we all know, this is a wonderful asset for this family to have with the way technology is going. Just wanted to share. Hope all has a wonderful day!

Can You Spare a Square?

Lorna, a fellow volunteer, writes:

When I first learned about the living conditions on Pine Ridge, I thought, "What can I do?". Well being a crocheter and on several Charity Crafting yahoo groups, I know how generous crafters can be. So, I spread the word and boy did they come through! They sent hats, booties, baby sweater and blankets, lapghans and 400 + squares.
But, we need more squares. Bright colors, dark colors, baby colors, any colors. We need sizes 6", 7" or 12" WW acrylic or wool (just label them "wool"). Think warm when choosing a pattern. Patterns with no holes are best.
Have the yarn, but no time or projects started and will never get back to or squares that are too small? We will take them and put them to use. I have joiners waiting for squares.
Please contact me at lfletcher@nativeprogress.org for more information or the address to send the yarn and/or squares.

Lakota Made Jewelry For Sale on eBay

Check out these beautiful items that are currently for sale on eBay.

Proceeds from the sales go directly to the artist and to help with the heating assistance program through ONE Spirit.

To find these items on eBay, you can search for ONE Spirit through the Giving Works tab which is under catagories, on the bottom left of the eBay home page.

Welcome to the One Spirit Blog!

We are so excited to launch the One Spirit blog!  

We hope that this blog will allow you to connect with us on a more regular basis.  We will be bringing you a regular schedule of updates about the charity, goings on at the reservation, and ways that you can help.  Check back frequently for updates, or better yet, subscribe to our feed through RSS (see our side bar for the orange RSS link).    

Love and Peace

Jeri Baker

Director