An immersive experience for returning volunteers
2026 program dates: May 2 - 8, May 9 - 15, May 30 - June 5.
Program cost: Regular program fee.
How to register: Use our real-time trip calendar to view availability, and to request your spot(s). Be sure to select the “WAY OF LIFE PROGRAM” option.
Program Overview
Meet your instructors: An award-winning artist and culture bearer, Kelly Looking Horse (Oglala Lakota) shares Lakota stories and makes and performs art through traditional dancing, drumming, singing, leather and wood work, beading, quilling, and painting — to enhance, reinforce, and illustrate the stories.
Kelly and his wife, Suzie (Pomo of the Robinson Rancheria Band), live in Batesland, South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Saturday: Arrive at Re-Member by 4 p.m. to get settled in. Following an orientation to our program with all volunteers, enjoy dinner, and attend a community cultural event, if available. End your night stargazing under the beautiful South Dakota sky.
Sunday: Following breakfast with all volunteers, you’ll break out with Wičóuŋčaġe participants for a program orientation. Enjoy a morning of coffee and conversation as the program gets underway. You’ll make your first community visit in the afternoon, visiting with leaders from Running Strong for American Indian Youth. The day ends with dinner, and an evening speaker.
Monday: Journey to the Paha Sapa — South Dakota’s Black Hills — as you visit Wind Cave National Park to learn more about the Lakota creation story. Following a picnic lunch, you’ll journey on to Crazy Horse Monument before returning to Pine Ridge for dinner, and an evening speaker.
Tuesday: You’ll visit tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs government offices this morning, learning more about the governing structure of the reservation. After lunch, you’ll visit the Wounded Knee Massacre site, and the Singing Horse Trading Post. The day ends with dinner and an evening speaker.
Wednesday: Start the morning with coffee and conversation, reflecting on the week so far. Then, you’ll visit the Batesland community, for a tour and lunch with community elders. The afternoon brings you to Whiteclay, Nebraska for a tour of the Whiteclay Makerspace, followed by a visit at Čhatkú Arts Center (formerly The Heritage Center at Maȟpíya Lúta). The day ends with Dinner and an evening speaker.
Thursday: You’re off to explore mako sica — The Badlands today. The morning will be spent in the North Unit of the National Park, where you’ll also enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the South Unit’s White River Visitor Center, co-managed by the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The day concludes with dinner, and a final reflection, as your week draws to a close.
Friday: We say tókša akhé. Pack up and head out by 9 o’clock. Thank you for joining us!
Additional Information
Flying in? Airport transportation to and from Re-Member is also available for an additional fee. Please inquire with your Volunteer Trip Coordinator for additional information.