March Update

Another season has begun at Re-Member, and we are so happy to welcome back volunteer groups from all over the country as well as individuals from around the world. It’s always an exciting time when the season starts up again. Volunteers breathe life back into our buildings. Rooms that had been empty are filled with laughter and conversation. We get to visit with our speakers, their families and so many friends who we do not see as often during the cold winter months. Nyla, our cook, is back in the kitchen making fry bread and the delicious meals that so many volunteers have enjoyed over the years.

It renews our spirits when we are able to connect and reconnect with so many people. Some of them first time volunteers, some of them back for their annual visit. This is one of the most important things Re-Member does - we bring people together. Re-Member is a place where good people come together to pursue a worthwhile cause and a noble vision. To stand with the Oglala Lakota Oyate of Pine Ridge, listening to them, learning from them, and working hard alongside them to pursue the best path forward as determined by the community. 

We are still cutting, splitting, and delivering firewood and will continue to do so until the weather warms more substantially. Blizzard season in South Dakota can run into late April, so we are mindful that winter is likely not behind us yet. As of today, we have completed over 400 wood deliveries and assisted more than 150 households with home heating expenses in 2024. 

This week we delivered our first beds of the season and will continue to do so over the coming months. As the weather warms, we will fully transition from firewood delivery into our construction season. Our staff will work with volunteers to complete various projects including the construction of wheelchair ramps, trailer skirting, outhouses, and deck and step sets. Our request list remains long despite the completion of hundreds of projects annually. The return of volunteers allows us to spread our impact further and get more work done for the community. 

With many hands, much is possible.

2024 Season Information

Many of our remaining volunteer weeks still have plenty of availability. Visit our website to find more information about volunteering with Re-Member and to book your trip online.

A week at Re-Member is an experience unlike any other. Join of us for a week of learning, listening – rewarding hard work and fun! 

Support Local Artists: Check Out The Re-Member Online Store

The Re-Member Online Store is a great place to find art, crafts and jewelry created by many of the talented Oglala Lakota artists of Pine Ridge. We consistently add new items to our inventory, so if you haven’t been in the store for a while, be sure to take a look and see what is available.

Spring Is Almost Here

In less than two weeks it will be Spring. Soon, our gardens at Feather II will start coming back to life. Devorah, with the support of our partners at South Dakota State University Extension, will begin planting seed starts indoors, which will be moved outside in time. These seeds will eventually fill our high-tunnels and gardens with what promises to be hundreds and hopefully thousands of pounds of fresh, nutritious produce.

This produce will all be distributed to the local community. With the planned addition of two new high tunnels on the property we are optimistic that this will be a tremendous year of growth at Feather II.

Speaking of growth, mark your calendars for GROWING TUESDAY on May 7.

On this date we will be sharing updates and raising funds for our garden initiative at Feather II. More information about garden activities, goals and accomplishments will be forthcoming over the next several weeks. 

We cannot do what we do without your support. We thank you for being a part of the Re-Member story. We are grateful for the opportunity to stand with the Oglala Lakota people and to work alongside this incredible community. We hope you will continue to follow along with our important work and join us in 2024 if you are able.

Will Paese
Executive Director