Empowering the Future: Establishing the Endowment Fund Campaign for Lakota People of Pine Ridge
- nkraatz6
- Aug 28, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
"Wopila Tanka"
"Many Thanks"
We are so grateful for the many generous supporters of One Spirit and our endeavors to empower the Oglala Lakota of the Pine Ridge Reservation in their quest to achieve a more independent future.
We are THRILLED to announce the establishment of a One Spirit Endowment Fund
This fund will allow us to:
Fund lasting and permanent change for the elders, youth, and families on the Pine Ridge Reservation
Support current programs (i.e. food, heat, employment, etc.)
Develop & fund new initiatives identified by leaders on the reservation and One Spirit board members (i.e. regenerative gardens and fruit orchards, meat processing facility, additional food pantries. etc.)
Support Lakota Youth through a variety of activities and programs year round
and much, much more!
Notable Milestones of One Spirit on the Pine Ridge Reservation
HONORING ELDERS
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES
EMPOWERING YOUTH
PROMOTING CULTURE & PRESERVING TRADITIONS
2005 | ONE SPIRIT WAS FOUNDED
Our partnership began with meeting the basic and urgent needs of food and heat (firewood distribution) for the Lakota people.
2013 | OKINI PROGRAMS WERE LAUNCHED
Our Okini program creates opportunities to match donors with specific families through our Okini lists, especially during holidays and for special events.
2015 | ALLEN YOUTH CENTER OPENS
Our Allen Youth Center (AYC) opens its doors as a safe space for youth, elders, & families serving hot meals and providing activities year round.
2018 | CHARGING BUFFALO MEATHOUSE OPENS
Our Charging Buffalo Meathouse (processing facility) opens to promote food security, economic development, and employment opportunities on the Rez.
Learn more about our Charging Buffalo Meathouse Expansion Project
2018 | ONE SPIRIT FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM EXPANDS
Our food program expands from distributing approximately 8,000 boxes with the opening of two food pantries located in Allen and Wounded Knee.
*Plans are underway to open additional food pantries
2019 | LAUNDROMAT OPENS AT ALLEN YOUTH CENTER
Our first laundromat opens at the Allen Youth Center (AYC) basic supplies for washing clothes are provided.
*Plans are underway for additional laundromats
2021 | EMPLOYMENT & WORKFORCE PROGRAMS LAUNCH
Our Employment & Workforce Development programs start on the Rez with partners in Montana.
*In 2023, we recently expanded to New Hampshire
2021 | ANNUAL HORSE SPIRIT CAMPS BEGIN
The first of our Annual Horse Spirit Camps begins led by elders and members of the tribe for Lakota youth to celebrate and preserve their rich culture and traditions.
2023 | GRAND OPENING OF THE OKINI MART
Our Okini Market opens and provides one-stop shopping at nominal costs for non-food and household items as well as economic development and employment opportunities on the Rez.
2023 | REGENERATIVE GARDENS WERE PLANTED
The planting of our first regenerative and raised bed gardens, and trees for our fruit orchard to promote food security and access to fresh and healthy food options.
2023 | BASKETBALL COURTS & YOUTH MEMORIAL GARDEN OPENS
The Wita Najiin Basketball Court and Youth Memorial Garden opens at the Allen Youth Center (AYC) creating a fun and safe space for physical activities.
None of this is possible without the generous hearts of our donors!
We Thank You!
If you are considering a donation to One Spirit's Endowment Fund, please use the below options.
Lakota Ob Sagiya Unkinajinpi kte
Standing Strong with Lakota People
