June Update
Spring showers have been making things rather wet and muddy around Re-Member and across the rez as of late. The joys of country living. What is mostly an inconvenience for those of us with trucks and four-wheel drive can be a rather serious issue for many on the reservation, where muddy roads can literally prevent people from accessing and/or leaving their homes.
Many folks on Pine Ridge live off pavement, on dirt roads, which liquify in consistent, heavy rains. Many are forced to park their cars near the highway or the nearest paved road to ensure they will be able to get where they need to go. People need to hike to their homes. Cars get stuck, slide into ditches, and take a beating driving through sloppy, rutted-out conditions. Just another day on the rez – a place where so little comes easy.
The Re-Member Operations Team from left to right: Lane Miller, Trevor Weston, Sidney Jealous of Him, Jory Weston and Bill Bass.
Despite the muddy conditions our staff and volunteers continue to make a difference in the community daily. Over the past several weeks, we have delivered dozens of beds, installed several outhouses, built decks, skirted trailers and installed many ramps for individuals and families across the reservation. We continue to field requests and work hard to respond to needs in the community.
We have started planting outside and in our high-tunnel greenhouses at Feather II. In the coming months, these seeds will yield well over a ton of produce for folks here on the reservation. Collaborating with the community to promote healthy choices and offering access to fresh, nutritious produce is something we are passionate about! As our crops grow, our Veggie Wagon will spread the bounty of our gardens across the reservation.
We are grateful to work with the community and offer support in the ways that we are able. We look forward to another summer of building relationships and growing opportunities!
Introducing - Mini Weeks! Half the Time – Half the Price
For two weeks in August, we will be piloting a new program opportunity – Mini Weeks!
These weeks will offer an abbreviated version of our standard program. A Sunday to Thursday experience that still offers a meaningful opportunity to learn, serve and engage here on Pine Ridge. Mini-weeks will consist of a Sunday arrival, a tour day around the reservation, two days of work in the community, and a Thursday morning departure. At a discounted rate, Mini-Weeks are a great option for those unable to commit to a full week stay.
Learn more about Mini Weeks and book your trip!
For those interested in further exploration after their stay, we can recommend self-guided driving tours or connect you with reputable local tour guides to visit the Black Hills or Badlands.
Of course, there is still the option to sign up for our standard program!
Stay tuned - we are excited to announce additional new and expanded program opportunities in the coming months!
Support Local Artists – Support the Program:
There are so many ways to support Re-Member and the Oglala Lakota people. Check out the Re-Member Online Store to peruse native crafts, artwork and jewelry created by incredibly talented artists and crafters from right here on Pine Ridge. Browse Re-Member merch and more!
Shop the Re-Member Amazon Wish List and provide staples that support ongoing program needs. Items provided via the Wish List are delivered directly to Re-Member and allow us to redirect funds where they are needed most, back into the community.
There is so much cool stuff happening at Re-Member and around the reservation. We are thrilled to be a part of the growing momentum that is building here on Pine Ridge. We hope you will join us on the reservation and experience it for yourself. We thank you for keeping up with our story and supporting our work!
Sincerely,
Will Paese
Executive Director