Our Journey Has Only Just Begun

With another volunteer season now off and running at Re-Member, I can’t help but reflect on and appreciate how far we’ve come. I am so proud of the work that so many have been a part of over 25+ years of service on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Thousands of projects completed, impacting countless lives. While it is important to acknowledge these accomplishments, I also understand that our journey has only just begun. That we can and must continue to grow. To evolve as we are meant to, as informed by the community we work alongside, the Oglala Lakota people.

Growth can be challenging. It pushes us into new and uncomfortable positions. It shifts our understanding of who we are and what we can be. In a place like Pine Ridge, where so often situations can seem hopeless and insurmountable, it is important that we inspire and recognize opportunities to grow. Encouraging the idea and displaying the reality that with mindful investment, people can rise above the limitations their circumstances seem to imply. We are here to uplift and to stand with the community, to listen and learn as the Lakota people determine the best path forward.

“Sit back, relax, enjoy the beauty surrounding you in every direction. Open your heart to what you will experience here. Most of all – Listen.”

-Re-Member Volunteer

Growth without support is not sustainable. Re-Member exists to support the people of Pine Ridge and to create meaningful opportunities to serve and learn for our volunteers. To help facilitate growth in a humble, disciplined, and organic way. To cultivate hope, optimism, and inspiration in a community that has historically been informed that it has nothing of value to offer. To open the minds of those who walk through our doors and to open their eyes to so much that they might be missing.

As the organization continues to evolve and grow, a new era in Re-Member leadership begins. We have a new Executive Director, a new Operations Manager, new staff members and a new cultural presenter. New opportunities present new possibilities, and we are excited for what is to come. We hope you will join us, support us, and continue to be a part of our story.

Though much has changed, much remains the same.

It was another challenging winter on the reservation, full of snow, mud, and bitter cold. Temperatures dropped as low as -35° and “felt like” -52°. Consecutive days below zero and weeks below freezing were hard on our equipment, vehicles, and personnel. Despite these far from ideal circumstances our staff was able to cut, split and deliver over 700 loads of firewood to individuals in need. We were also able to assist with over 150 home-heating payments, many on the verge of having their services cut off.

Re-Member’s Winter Heating Assistance Program offers a boost of energy and opportunity in the harsh winter months. A bit of relief and the chance to get ahead. Kim in our office works diligently to field requests for firewood and assistance. Our wood-cutting crew of Sidney, Lane, Bill, and Wyatt goes above and beyond, hustling to all corners of the reservation - down muddy and snow-packed roads; through blowing snow and brutal cold - to get people the wood that they need. I know myself, and many others are grateful for the efforts of our team this winter.

Another spring brings another growing season. Another opportunity to push forward our garden operations at Feather II, where over the past several years, we have produced and distributed thousands of pounds of fruits and vegetables.

We plan to expand our growing capacity with the addition of two new high tunnels, which will be built on the property in the coming months.  The gardens offer the community access to fresh, nutritious produce in the middle of a food desert. These additions will allow us to stretch our impact and provide the benefits of healthy, locally produced food to more people across the reservation.

SAVE THE DATE FOR “GROWING TUESDAY”
ON TUESDAY, MAY 7

Our important work is made possible by the generosity of our donors. Please consider a gift in support of Re-Member and our work to build a better today – and tomorrow alongside the Oglala Lakota Oyate.

With gratitude,

Will Paese
Executive Director