March Update
Our work continues. Despite the disappointment in not welcoming volunteers back this month, we are increasingly hopeful that we will be able to do so soon. In the meantime, our staff continue to provide essential services. Our winter heating assistance program has provided help to hundreds of families. Within the next few weeks, the workshop will again be filled with the sounds of saws and sanders as bed parts are constructed. And at Feather II, the gardening season is just around the corner.
As the news of the day continues to overwhelm our collective senses, we can sometimes feel powerless in our efforts to drive change. One bed. One outhouse. One week of warmth brought by one load of wood. Each made possible by one person’s support, as it becomes part of a larger, collective effort.
Our work continues, thanks to your generous support.
COVID-19 update
Recently, the tribe has dropped the “shelter-in-place” recommendations per their internal risk alert guidance. A four-level risk chart, published by the Task Force defines our ability to resume Re-Member’s volunteer program. As positive cases continue to trend downwards, we are hopeful that we will soon be able to resume our volunteer trips.
Since the beginning of this pandemic, it has been our policy to embrace and fully support the tribe’s efforts. That remains true today. As we first said in March of 2020: The safety of our volunteers, and the peace of mind and good health of Pine Ridge residents is our top priority.
Winter heating program update
We are approaching 500 deliveries-to-date for this winter’s firewood program. We have also purchased more than 5,600 gallons of propane and home heating oil, and assisted with multiple past-due electric bills.
Although this winter has — by South Dakota standards — been fairly mild, there is no avoiding arctic outbreaks at least a few times each year. We haven’t had “the big blizzard” yet, but we definitely need the moisture that such a storm would bring. We’ll see what the rest of this winter, and spring has in store for us.
Read more about our winter heating assistance program here on the Re-Member blog.
Save the date: Growing Tuesday
We will be planting our first vegetable seeds – inside – starting in just a couple weeks! As we continue to grow our gardening program this year, please consider offering your support during our Growing Tuesday fundraiser. Save the date for Tuesday, May 3!
Support the Oglala Lakota artisan community
Shop our Re-Member online store for an always-changing selection of handcrafted Lakota crafts, paintings and more. We recently added dozens of new items, purchased directly from local artisans and crafters including handcrafted porcupine quill bracelets by the Red Cloud family, beadwork by the Peters family, and original ledger art by Quinton Maldonado.
All purchases directly benefit Oglala Lakota artisans, and support Re-Member’s ongoing work across the Pine Ridge Reservation.
On behalf of the Oglala Lakota community we serve, thank you for your continued support.