2021: Year In Review
Challenges and opportunities. The past two years have brought plenty of both as we continue to adapt to our COVID-modified world. With generous support from donors near and far, we have maintained our twenty-plus year presence in service to the Pine Ridge Reservation community.
If you weren’t able to join us for our end-of-season Virtual Celebration & Update on Saturday, October 9, we have prepared a recap for you here, beginning with Will Peter’s Words of Encouragement that he shared at the start of our event.
Despite volatile lumber and commodity prices, a serious drought here in western South Dakota, and another year of being closed to visitors, we have continued to respond to immediate needs, provide services, and plan for the future of Re-Member.
Devorah’s efforts in the “Feather II” community gardens yielded a bountiful harvest. Bill, Michelle and Will worked tirelessly through the summer to improve the quality of life for dozens of families through our construction projects. And Kim has been busy sorting and distributing donations every day.
We thank you for your continued, and generous support. You make our work possible. You are Re-Member.
Our Operations manager, Will, recorded a quick update earlier in October with a look back at what we were able to accomplish this construction season. He also reviews our 2020-21 Winter Heating Assistance Program.
We are happy to report that several hundred pounds of produce was harvested and distributed across the Pine Ridge Reservation from our “Feather II” community gardens.
Elsewhere on the property, two hoop houses are ready to begin production in the spring of 2022. These facilities will extend our growing season well into the spring and fall, overcoming the unpredictable and often extreme South Dakota weather.
Planning for 2022 Volunteers
The safety of our volunteers, and the peace of mind and good health of Pine Ridge residents has been, and will remain our top priority as we plan to welcome you back to Re-Member.
For the 2022 season, volunteer groups are limited to no more than 14 individuals. The total number of volunteers at Re-Member is limited to 42 per week. Fees for adult volunteers are $665.07 plus a South Dakota sales tax of 4.5% for a total of $695.
Utilize our new online reservation system to check availability, schedule your volunteer trip, and pay trip fees. We have highlighted a few key weeks for your consideration below:
Opening Week
3/5 – 3/11
Kids’ Weeks
7/16 – 7/22; 7/23 – 7/29
Healthcare Week
7/30 – 8/5
Oglala Nation Powwow
8/6 – 8/12
Feather II Volunteer Trips Available In 2022
For those who wish to focus their efforts in our community gardens, we present a new opportunity to stay at our Feather II site in Porcupine. This program is designed for small groups and/or individuals who have previously participated in our regular volunteer experience.
A stay at Feather II offers the additional flexibility and less structured itinerary that returning volunteers often seek. Working with Re-Member and SDSU Extension staff, smaller groups will have the opportunity to work in our community gardens, assist with special projects on the property, and visit partner projects across the reservation.
We encourage Feather II volunteers to take advantage of their visit to deepen relationships on the reservation, and to further explore cultural events and destinations throughout the region. Please note that you must provide your own transportation.
Contact Paula, your Volunteer Trip Coordinator, for additional information.