Winning the Gold Medal on Pine Ridge

It is 1964, and the world is tuned in to watch the Tokyo Olympics. Tamakhóčhe Theȟíla (Billy Mills) is rounding the corner of the track during the 10,000-meter race in the middle of the pack. As he reaches the straightaway, the fatigued, young Lakota from the Pine Ridge Reservation, pushes his legs to their limits and gains the lead on the other runners, crossing the finish line and winning Olympic gold. Today, a group of Lakota, with the help of One Spirit, is using their legs to help the community in a more metaphorical sense; however, the impact is similarly inspiring. The Lakota Empowerment Group, also known as LEG, teaches practical skills to its participants, ultimately benefiting the community.

Ricky Gray Grass and Eddie Spears oversee the program with the help of other adept individuals, teaching the valuable skills that the group offers, such as carpentry, plumbing, drywall, electrical work, etc. The skills that these men and women learn in the group provide them with employment opportunities, creating a more secure living situation, a sense of pride, and help keep them away from drugs and alcohol. Another important aspect that Ricky and Eddie have reinforced is the necessity for a positive jobsite, resulting in a sense of camaraderie that has brought everyone together. If there is one thing that the participants would like to convey to everyone who has granted them this opportunity by donating, it is simply “thank you.”

Residents of Pine Ridge are also benefiting from having their homes and other structures fixed and updated by the Lakota Empowerment Group. Currently, the most in-demand jobs are repairing doors, windows, porches, and skirting for trailers. After they have finished their current projects, they will need more funding to continue their work. You can help improve housing on the reservation while teaching critical job skills to Lakota workers by donating.

They are also in need of someone to teach concrete finishing. If you would like to help in this matter and live in the Pine Ridge area, reach out to One Spirit via Facebook or email at mperez@nativeprogrss.org so we can put you in contact with Ricky Gray Grass. Finally, be on the lookout for the Lakota Empowerment Group’s new website, coming soon.