February Update
As much of the nation endures unusually cold and wintery conditions, here on Pine Ridge we have spent most of the past few months warmer and dryer than normal. Temperatures rise and fall but the need for utility assistance and firewood remains. Despite many warm days, we have had our share of bitter cold nights, and a few days well below zero. These conditions result in many challenges for those on the reservation, including frozen pipes and high home-heating expenses.
Late in December, Rapid City recorded a record-breaking 101 mph gust -- the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane. Similar conditions have blown across the reservation repeatedly this winter, causing significant damage. In rare but very real cases, these winds have quite literally flipped and ripped the roofs off trailers.
Re-Member’s Winter Heating Assistance Program goes a long way to support families and make things a bit more comfortable during these challenging conditions.
Before dawn on a windy January morning, a catastrophic fire ignited in the Little Wound (Kyle) community. More than 70 residents of all ages lost everything, escaping only with the clothes on their backs. Re-Member was able to quickly gather and send clothing, winter jackets, personal hygiene items, and school supplies to be distributed. These actions were a small part of a much larger locally-led community effort. It was incredible to see so many individuals and programs come together to do what was needed in response to this devastating event.
I am happy to share that Trevor Weston has been promoted to Operations Manager. Many of you who have spent time at Re-Member over the past several years have met and worked with Trevor. We are thrilled to see Trevor step into this role, bringing his humor, knowledge and skills to the job. Trevor is looking forward to guiding our work in the field while leading volunteers through the completion of various projects this season!
As we prepare to welcome our first volunteers of the year, I am reminded of the many ways our program impacts our volunteers, and the Pine Ridge community. At this moment in our history, as so much seeks to divide us, Re-Member continues to bring people together.
We work and live in a community that wears the scars and bares the legacy of an incredibly violent past based, in large part, on actions of the American government. A community that was mistreated, isolated, removed and shut out. Whose experiences with “outsiders” often only informed further misfortune.
Despite this, I have personally been received with grace, respect and kindness in almost every instance of my countless interactions with community members here on the reservation. Community members who have absolutely every reason not to receive me in this way. I believe many of our volunteers have experienced the same.
The phrase Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ -- we are all related -- is said often on the reservation. During times like these it feels that message is more important to hear than ever.
Human issues are not easy, but it is important that we remain human.
SUPPORT THE PROGRAM: SHOP THE RE-MEMBER AMAZON WISHLIST
It takes a lot of stuff to support the hundreds of volunteers who flow through our program every year! From paper towels to posthole diggers, there are all countless items that make our work possible. The Re-Member Amazon Wishlist has recently been updated with various essential items that we will need over the coming year. Your support through the Wishlist allows us to reinvest more funds where they are need most, in the community.
Thanks to all those who continue to support the program in this way.
JOIN THE RE-MEMBER TEAM: APPLY TO BE A PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
Re-Member is actively seeking Program Supervisor applicants for the 2026 volunteer season. Generally a four-to-six week commitment, working as a Program Supervisor is a great way to build relationships, contribute to our work and immerse yourself more fully in all things Re-Member and Pine Ridge.
Visit our website to learn more about the position and apply today.
We are so excited to get the volunteer season underway. To everyone who has booked a volunteer trip in 2026 – we look forward to your arrival. To all those who continue to follow our story and support our work – thank you and we hope to see you on the prairie in the future!
Gratefully,
Will Paese
Executive Director