Showing posts with label Pine Ridge Reservation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pine Ridge Reservation. Show all posts
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Response from another ONE Spirit friend who's been to Pine Ridge
For those who have never been to the reservation and actually seen the way many people have to live, it is hard to imagine that conditions like this exist in 21st century America - but they do. Last year I was asked to take pictures of an isolated, dilapidated, one room home with no electricity or running water, while the owner was in hospital suffering from an infection. I cannot post the photographs at this time, but taking them was a very difficult thing for me to do. It was the most desolate living space that I had ever seen - although very likely not the worst in the area.
In 2007 a man froze to death in his house a couple of miles from where I was staying. There was no reporting of this incident and an elderly Lakota told me: "So many people around here die untimely deaths that no one pays any attention any more."
Betty is right that none of us will be able to bring a permanent solution to the overall situation, but we can help provide food and warmth and the knowledge that somebody cares. The youth programs we support are also very important. The young people hold the future in their hands and they must have something to hope for if this epidemic of suicide is to end. Without hope it is very difficult to have life. We are making a difference, both now and for the future.
Anne
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thoughts from a ONE Spirit Area Services Coordinator
Hello One Spirit friends. I have not posted since I took over the position of Area Service Coordinator for Oglala and Pine Ridge this past summer. As you might imagine, it has been a busy time, getting to know both the residents of those areas on my lists and the many wonderful people who sponsor them.
The time also included a trip by my husband and me to the reservation, in October. We have been there several times before, but usually to visit friends. We certainly did that again, but we also used this visit to meet some of the families I had spoken to over the several months before the trip.
In 5 days, we put 950 miles on the rental car while driving from place to place on the reservation! For those of you who have not been there, our high mileage was caused by the great distances separating the settled areas. For example, the distance from our room at the Lakota Prairie Ranch Resort in Kyle to Pine Ridge was about 35 miles.
During our time on the reservation, we saw many things that were very difficult to see. While our philosophical discussions on this board are interesting, my focus is on the immediate needs of those in jeopardy, especially the children and elders. I don't believe that I, or anyone else from the outside, will be able to solve the "whys" and "hows" of permanent improvement on Pine Ridge Reservation. But together we can keep the children warm and fed until those with more resources step in to more permanently solve the problems.
We all know there is deep, grinding poverty on the reservation and, if we are in this group and on this board, we care very much about that. But I would have to say that this visit hit me harder than have my prior visits. Perhaps that is because we saw a wider variety of homes and people this time. We learned there are varying degrees of poverty. Some houses and trailers were small and spare, but well kept. We visited the apartment of a woman who is confined to a wheelchair and I wondered how she could possibly maneuver the chair in that space, it was so small. We visited a trailer that I thought would blow over in the next good gust of wind (and there is plenty of wind in South Dakota). We brought food with us on our visits. We were given small gifts in return. We were treated warmly and welcomed wherever we went.
I had hoped to take photos of the places I went and people I met. But I could not – not because anyone objected, but because my heart would not allow me to expose the pain and poverty of the people to the world. It seemed intrusive and felt like an invasion of their privacy. However, our friends allowed us to take photos of the house they are living in – (rented for about $500 per month). I had prior photos of what it looked like when they moved in. It has improved – slightly. This is their story . . .
They had a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 teen girls) living with one of the grandmothers in a small house with at least 7 others persons. They wanted/needed a place of their own. However, on Pine Ridge, you can be on the housing list for 10 years and still not get a place of your own. There is a dire shortage of adequate housing. So when a cousin lost the tenants in a house he had, he offered it to them at the price noted above. The little blue house has 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a larger room that includes both "living room" and "kitchen."
In the smaller bedroom, there is a queen-sized mattress on the floor (because there is no room for a bed in the room). With the mattress pushed up into one corner of the room, there is only about 6-8 inches of space between the two open sides and the opposites walls--- barely room to walk around the mattress, let alone place any other furniture. No closet. In the larger bedroom, there is the queen-sized bed with perhaps a couple of feet of space free. In that space there are boxes filled with the family's clothing and belongings. Windows are covered with blankets – less for decoration than to keep out the cold. The bathroom door has been boarded up and sealed with duct tape to prevent drafts. It isn't needed, since there is no running water in the house at all. No indoor toilet, just the outhouse. The kitchen has a couple of cupboards and a sink that again has no running water. For almost a year, until they finally obtained a water storage tank from the tribe, they had to cart all the water for their use from a family member's home in empty milk jugs. There was no stove or refrigerator for a year, until we managed to find them a second hand fridge. The electricity in the home is most certainly not up to code and fuses blow if too many things are plugged in at once.
The back door of the house is boarded up with plywood because the door was falling apart. So they have only one entrance/exit. We were able to replace the front door, which was also falling apart, on our recent visit. Their only heat source consists of 2 small electric space heaters, including one of the ones One Spirit was supplying last winter. There had been a wood stove in the house when they moved in, but it was so damaged by the prior tenants that it was unusable and had to be removed.
What moves me most is that these were not the worst conditions we encountered! I hear stories all the time about how people are trying to live and to raise their children.
The president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe recently declared a State of Emergency on the Pine Ridge Reservation because of the "overwhelming numbers of suicides and suicide attempts." In the 11 months between Oct 2008 and Aug 2009, the tribal Public Safety Dept responded to 96 suicide attempts or completions. In November 2009 alone, EMS responded to 17 suicide-related calls. That's more than one every other day! Many are teens, who see no hope living in these conditions.
As I said before, none of us can solve all these problems. But we can help supply the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter to those who are in need of those things. Everywhere we went, people thanked us for helping and told us how important even the seemingly little things, like soap, shampoo, toilet paper, shoes and cleaning supplies are.
I will try to post more often in 2010 (my New Year's resolution). I hope that the things I share will help you realize how important your small gifts and your caring are to those who receive them.
Betty B.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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
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
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
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Press Release Issued Regarding Blizzard
Jeri Baker issued a press release regarding the desperate situation resulting from last week's blizzard. To quote a portion of the release, "One Spirit has been trying to gain the attention of other emergency service organizations. The Red Cross brought supplies over the weekend, but due to incomplete and/or faulty information, these supplies did reach many of the hardest hit areas. Today they are returning with blankets, water, food, kerosene lamps, candles, and other items. But their supplies are limited, and are still unable to meet the current needs."
We all want to do everything we can to help the situation, as well as helping out in any future situations. But we're not all able to give loads of money, or we're not close enough to give our time in person. We also may not have the supplies to give. So if we can just talk to anyone who will listen, be it local government, media outlets, or just the folks that we have coffee with, maybe that will help spread awareness about the people who really need help within our country. If you have any suggestions on how to accomplish this, please post them on the blog so that others may be given ideas that they didn't have before.
"All you need is Love." John Lennon
"If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything." George McFly - Back to the Future
We all want to do everything we can to help the situation, as well as helping out in any future situations. But we're not all able to give loads of money, or we're not close enough to give our time in person. We also may not have the supplies to give. So if we can just talk to anyone who will listen, be it local government, media outlets, or just the folks that we have coffee with, maybe that will help spread awareness about the people who really need help within our country. If you have any suggestions on how to accomplish this, please post them on the blog so that others may be given ideas that they didn't have before.
"All you need is Love." John Lennon
"If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything." George McFly - Back to the Future
Monday, November 10, 2008
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.
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.
The First Blizzard of Winter 2008
You all are aware of the blizzard that just hit the reservation. It's that time of year. Mother Nature really likes to show who's in charge! I don't know about other areas of the country, but the Great Plains are known for the winds that cause the ground blizzards and power lines down, and worse. We sure do get buried out here sometimes.
The governor did declare a state of emergency which then helped with airlifting people with medical problems out of the rez. The Red Cross got in there and provided a few blankets and some other supplies as the plows gained access.
The Associated Press reported 20 foot drifts on the Pine Ridge Reservation and winds upwards of 50-60 mph.
But, you folks with One Spirit really stepped up. As you read in the note from Sue, the donations you all sent in were valuable! One Spirit is able to help get folks out on the road to deliver wood and food to those who can't get out. Other emergency type supplies like batteries, water, blankets and animal food are being distributed.
The governor did declare a state of emergency which then helped with airlifting people with medical problems out of the rez. The Red Cross got in there and provided a few blankets and some other supplies as the plows gained access.
The Associated Press reported 20 foot drifts on the Pine Ridge Reservation and winds upwards of 50-60 mph.
But, you folks with One Spirit really stepped up. As you read in the note from Sue, the donations you all sent in were valuable! One Spirit is able to help get folks out on the road to deliver wood and food to those who can't get out. Other emergency type supplies like batteries, water, blankets and animal food are being distributed.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
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!!
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!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Hello From Norway
From a fellow volunteer, Kari, from Norway:
We are saying that everything comes from the USA. Yes, I received a mail from Jeri that there is to be a fair here in Norway where John Dubray also is going to be. The Norwegian "Help The Indians" which is managed by Olav Redheart Husby, sponsors John's trip across the ocean. It's a very big alternative fair that has taken place in Oslo, our capitol, for 10 years. There will be about 450 stands from a lot of countries. Denmark, Sverige, USA, England, Tykland, Spania and Australia are among the countries that are represented and, they are expecting at least 25,000 visitors from all over Europe. You can find almost anything there. Different healing methods, meditations, yoga, spirituality, you name it. There are also stands about how to deal with the pollution of our planet. And, a whole lot of different things that I don't even want to try to translate into English.
And, of course Olav Redheart and his organization will be there along with John DuBray. Hopefully this will lead to more people learning about Pine Ridge Reservation and wanting to get involved in helping. As Jeri advised me to, I wrote Olav about a week ago, just to introduce myself since we are both working with One Spirit. He called me yesterday and, guess what! He wanted me with them at the fair. He even offered to pick me up at the railway station and bring me there. You know.... farmers in town....!! I would probably never get in the city again if I should manage on my own. So, Saturday 22nd November I will load up my pickup with a sleeping bag and some coffee and I will drive the 4.5 hours to Oslo, join John DuBray and Olav Redheart Husby. What an experience for a little woman of the rural woods in a valley in Norway.
We are saying that everything comes from the USA. Yes, I received a mail from Jeri that there is to be a fair here in Norway where John Dubray also is going to be. The Norwegian "Help The Indians" which is managed by Olav Redheart Husby, sponsors John's trip across the ocean. It's a very big alternative fair that has taken place in Oslo, our capitol, for 10 years. There will be about 450 stands from a lot of countries. Denmark, Sverige, USA, England, Tykland, Spania and Australia are among the countries that are represented and, they are expecting at least 25,000 visitors from all over Europe. You can find almost anything there. Different healing methods, meditations, yoga, spirituality, you name it. There are also stands about how to deal with the pollution of our planet. And, a whole lot of different things that I don't even want to try to translate into English.
And, of course Olav Redheart and his organization will be there along with John DuBray. Hopefully this will lead to more people learning about Pine Ridge Reservation and wanting to get involved in helping. As Jeri advised me to, I wrote Olav about a week ago, just to introduce myself since we are both working with One Spirit. He called me yesterday and, guess what! He wanted me with them at the fair. He even offered to pick me up at the railway station and bring me there. You know.... farmers in town....!! I would probably never get in the city again if I should manage on my own. So, Saturday 22nd November I will load up my pickup with a sleeping bag and some coffee and I will drive the 4.5 hours to Oslo, join John DuBray and Olav Redheart Husby. What an experience for a little woman of the rural woods in a valley in Norway.
Hi Everyone,
We all know by now that PRR was blasted with a horrific blizzard over the past two days. This is a up date from a friend of mine, and the Francine Janis Family at PRR.
Hi Ed -
I just got home from my gig this morning and called Francine to see how they are weathering this storm. Their street doesn't have power back yet, but nearby ones do and Francine said that Tiffany heard on the radio that they might have it back by noon today.
They ran out of wood last night, so she broke up an old dresser and they burned that! She said the drifts were so high Chester couldn't make it out to get more wood. It's mostly stopped snowing, but still windy, and the wind made all the drifts icy, so it's a nightmare to get around at all.
I had been worried that the kids maybe got stranded on the bus home from school when the storm hit, but she said they made it back ok that day and the electricity didn't go out until about 6pm.
Do you know how Willene Kills Enemy's family is doing? I've got them all in my prayers - it sure feels weird to be sitting in my nice warm house typing on my computer knowing how cold everyone out there is . . .
Tok 'sa kola
Jean
We all know by now that PRR was blasted with a horrific blizzard over the past two days. This is a up date from a friend of mine, and the Francine Janis Family at PRR.
Hi Ed -
I just got home from my gig this morning and called Francine to see how they are weathering this storm. Their street doesn't have power back yet, but nearby ones do and Francine said that Tiffany heard on the radio that they might have it back by noon today.
They ran out of wood last night, so she broke up an old dresser and they burned that! She said the drifts were so high Chester couldn't make it out to get more wood. It's mostly stopped snowing, but still windy, and the wind made all the drifts icy, so it's a nightmare to get around at all.
I had been worried that the kids maybe got stranded on the bus home from school when the storm hit, but she said they made it back ok that day and the electricity didn't go out until about 6pm.
Do you know how Willene Kills Enemy's family is doing? I've got them all in my prayers - it sure feels weird to be sitting in my nice warm house typing on my computer knowing how cold everyone out there is . . .
Tok 'sa kola
Jean
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Check out the beautiful beadwork medallion made by Chester Sitting Bear from Pine Ridge Reservation. It's a striking example of Chester's ability to create a masterpiece. The center of the feather is actually a broken porcupine quill ! One amazing fact about Chester, is that he's Color Blind! His wife Francine picks out the color of beads for him.
Anyone interested in having their own medallion made, can contact me, and I'll supply you with Chester's e-mail address. Be forewarned that the Medallions are not cheap! It takes Chester days and days to make a medallion and it's a source of income for his family.
The 2009 Pow-Wow season in New England will begin in May, and I can't wait to display this Medallion with the rest of my Regalia.
Tok 'sa Aka, Lakota for, "Until Later".
Broken Feather
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
My Trip To Martin, SD
Hello Everyone. I thought I'd share my story about my family's trip to the reservation:
On Labor Day weekend my husband, our 2 children and I went to Martin to visit the family we sponsor. They have a daughter the same age as ours. We live in the Northeast corner of Colorado, so it was only a 4 hour car trip. Not bad. On the way there we drove through beautiful sand hills, rolling prairie hills with desert like plants, sage growing EVERYWHERE and all the little creatures to go with it. Hawks are everywhere also. It's so cool to look up in the sky and see this magnificent bird almost like he's looking over you. Looking out over the landscape, I could almost imagine what it was like before the roads and power lines and automobiles. We arrived in Martin and checked into our hotel room.
The next morning, I called the family to find out when we could go meet them. We got it set up and again, loaded my family into the car and off we went.
When we arrived at their house, the welcome we received was unimaginable. The mom (for the sake of anonymity, we're going to call her "Ina") came out as we were getting out of the car and hugged me while she introduced herself. Her daughter and my daughter were instant friends and her little boy hid. We went in and sat down and just started talking. Talking about the weather and our drive up there. About our kids and we laughed as my 1 year old waddled all over her floor. We then made plans to take the kids somewhere for lunch and ended up at the bowling alley.
As the kids played video games, Ina asked me if I wanted to go to a powwow. Since I'd never been lucky enough to go to a powwow before I said, "YES!". My daughter was just as excited. We headed toward Porcupine.
On the way there, Ina told me we were going through Wounded Knee and did we want to stop and visit the Memorial. Of course we did. We arrived at the memorial and started walking around. It was surreal. To think that this amazing tragedy had happened right on the land that I was standing on was hard to absorb. She started telling me about the stories she had heard growing up about the Wounded Knee Massacre, stories that had come down through her family's generations. Her family, the descendants of those this happened to.
After we left the memorial, we stopped at the KILI radio station, but it wasn't opened. BUMMER!
Then we headed on to Porcupine for the powwow. There was such a feeling of community. The dancers were beautiful! That is all I can say because words don't do it justice. The traditional dancers were what I enjoyed watching the most. With these dances being handed down through the generations and still practiced today is what impressed me the most. We got to see the men and the elders do their traditional dances. What a beautiful culture! My daughter liked the Fancy Dancers. The drumming and singing were unlike anything else. I wanted to stay all day and night. But, it was time to go.
We drove back to her house, the kids stayed outside until dark playing and Ina showed me her bead work. We talked about that and our kids for a long time. I finally couldn't keep my eyes open anymore and my daughter was starting to get cranky. So, we said our goodbyes, looking forward to the next time we could visit and we left.
I had the most blessed day! I was filled with a feeling of joy and sadness that we had to leave. Ina and her children are the most genuine people I've been lucky enough to spend time with in a long time.
On Labor Day weekend my husband, our 2 children and I went to Martin to visit the family we sponsor. They have a daughter the same age as ours. We live in the Northeast corner of Colorado, so it was only a 4 hour car trip. Not bad. On the way there we drove through beautiful sand hills, rolling prairie hills with desert like plants, sage growing EVERYWHERE and all the little creatures to go with it. Hawks are everywhere also. It's so cool to look up in the sky and see this magnificent bird almost like he's looking over you. Looking out over the landscape, I could almost imagine what it was like before the roads and power lines and automobiles. We arrived in Martin and checked into our hotel room.
The next morning, I called the family to find out when we could go meet them. We got it set up and again, loaded my family into the car and off we went.
When we arrived at their house, the welcome we received was unimaginable. The mom (for the sake of anonymity, we're going to call her "Ina") came out as we were getting out of the car and hugged me while she introduced herself. Her daughter and my daughter were instant friends and her little boy hid. We went in and sat down and just started talking. Talking about the weather and our drive up there. About our kids and we laughed as my 1 year old waddled all over her floor. We then made plans to take the kids somewhere for lunch and ended up at the bowling alley.
As the kids played video games, Ina asked me if I wanted to go to a powwow. Since I'd never been lucky enough to go to a powwow before I said, "YES!". My daughter was just as excited. We headed toward Porcupine.
On the way there, Ina told me we were going through Wounded Knee and did we want to stop and visit the Memorial. Of course we did. We arrived at the memorial and started walking around. It was surreal. To think that this amazing tragedy had happened right on the land that I was standing on was hard to absorb. She started telling me about the stories she had heard growing up about the Wounded Knee Massacre, stories that had come down through her family's generations. Her family, the descendants of those this happened to.
After we left the memorial, we stopped at the KILI radio station, but it wasn't opened. BUMMER!
Then we headed on to Porcupine for the powwow. There was such a feeling of community. The dancers were beautiful! That is all I can say because words don't do it justice. The traditional dancers were what I enjoyed watching the most. With these dances being handed down through the generations and still practiced today is what impressed me the most. We got to see the men and the elders do their traditional dances. What a beautiful culture! My daughter liked the Fancy Dancers. The drumming and singing were unlike anything else. I wanted to stay all day and night. But, it was time to go.
We drove back to her house, the kids stayed outside until dark playing and Ina showed me her bead work. We talked about that and our kids for a long time. I finally couldn't keep my eyes open anymore and my daughter was starting to get cranky. So, we said our goodbyes, looking forward to the next time we could visit and we left.
I had the most blessed day! I was filled with a feeling of joy and sadness that we had to leave. Ina and her children are the most genuine people I've been lucky enough to spend time with in a long time.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Happy Heater Delivery People
This is a story that came from the reservation last week:
Saturday while we were doing the food delivery, some heaters were brought to me. My brother, who has a huge long box truck, came and helped me deliver heaters around the Manderson area and loaded the rest and took them out to my place.
On Sunday, I met my brother and his wife and we loaded the rest of the heaters and left at 9:00 am to deliver them. We went from Manderson to Sharps and gassed up. From there we delivered three heaters around the Sharps area.
After Sharps we left for Red Shirt. We delivered there and moved onto Oglala, Mission Flats, Pine Ridge and most of Wounded Knee.
We completed Red Shirt, Oglala and Pine Ridge. We have about 4 more to deliver in Wounded Knee and 3 in Manderson. We still have all of Porcupine with the exception of the ones we did at Sharps. One of the ladies called me from Sharps and said her heater was cracked. I told her I would come and take it and give her a different one. We are going to finish the delivery this afternoon.
We hit the road at 9:oo am yesterday and I got home about 8:30 pm. It was a very long, cold and very windy day, but we felt so good when we took the heaters to some of the homes. They had blankets hanging to keep one room warm (living room) and everyone was sleeping in that one room because they had no propane. The ones that did have propane said, "Good. Now we can save what little propane we have.". It just melted my heart to know that the heaters we delivered came at a time that was very much needed.
We traveled in a complete circle, about 142 miles. My brother and sister in law are very fun to travel with and they sure worked hard. I gave them a heater and some food that was extra from SHARE for helping us.
This afternoon should be a shorter delivery day as we just need to go to Porcupine and Wounded Knee and we will have accomplished our mission of heaters, Yoooo!
Saturday while we were doing the food delivery, some heaters were brought to me. My brother, who has a huge long box truck, came and helped me deliver heaters around the Manderson area and loaded the rest and took them out to my place.
On Sunday, I met my brother and his wife and we loaded the rest of the heaters and left at 9:00 am to deliver them. We went from Manderson to Sharps and gassed up. From there we delivered three heaters around the Sharps area.
After Sharps we left for Red Shirt. We delivered there and moved onto Oglala, Mission Flats, Pine Ridge and most of Wounded Knee.
We completed Red Shirt, Oglala and Pine Ridge. We have about 4 more to deliver in Wounded Knee and 3 in Manderson. We still have all of Porcupine with the exception of the ones we did at Sharps. One of the ladies called me from Sharps and said her heater was cracked. I told her I would come and take it and give her a different one. We are going to finish the delivery this afternoon.
We hit the road at 9:oo am yesterday and I got home about 8:30 pm. It was a very long, cold and very windy day, but we felt so good when we took the heaters to some of the homes. They had blankets hanging to keep one room warm (living room) and everyone was sleeping in that one room because they had no propane. The ones that did have propane said, "Good. Now we can save what little propane we have.". It just melted my heart to know that the heaters we delivered came at a time that was very much needed.
We traveled in a complete circle, about 142 miles. My brother and sister in law are very fun to travel with and they sure worked hard. I gave them a heater and some food that was extra from SHARE for helping us.
This afternoon should be a shorter delivery day as we just need to go to Porcupine and Wounded Knee and we will have accomplished our mission of heaters, Yoooo!
Friday, October 24, 2008
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!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
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.
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.
New One Spirit Blog...........
Hi Everyone!
I'm Ed, sometimes known as Broken Feather. I'm what you'd call a serious volunteer, helping to raise funds for One Spirit! Primarily, I'm a vendor at Native American Pow-wow's held in the Northeast. 100% of the revenue raised by me, goes to One Spirit, for the program, that's on the front burner, at the time. I also provide a few of the artist's on Pine Ridge a fair market venue for the sale of their goods, which really excites me. I make no secret about the appreciation I have for Jeri Baker (Our Director), and her willingness to work with me, via e-mails and the phone. I've been chosen to be an author to this blog, because of my on going interest, in getting more people involved with One Spirit, and our efforts to help the Lakota people, become sulf-sufficient. Please, tell your friends and relatives about our blog and have them join, in discussion, with us, about articles that will be forth coming. We're wide open for comments and ideas about helping the Lakota become self-sufficient. The only way to make a difference is to get involved. Please help us spread the word!
I'm Ed, sometimes known as Broken Feather. I'm what you'd call a serious volunteer, helping to raise funds for One Spirit! Primarily, I'm a vendor at Native American Pow-wow's held in the Northeast. 100% of the revenue raised by me, goes to One Spirit, for the program, that's on the front burner, at the time. I also provide a few of the artist's on Pine Ridge a fair market venue for the sale of their goods, which really excites me. I make no secret about the appreciation I have for Jeri Baker (Our Director), and her willingness to work with me, via e-mails and the phone. I've been chosen to be an author to this blog, because of my on going interest, in getting more people involved with One Spirit, and our efforts to help the Lakota people, become sulf-sufficient. Please, tell your friends and relatives about our blog and have them join, in discussion, with us, about articles that will be forth coming. We're wide open for comments and ideas about helping the Lakota become self-sufficient. The only way to make a difference is to get involved. Please help us spread the word!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
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
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