Today we began working. They have split us into different teams. Obviously it’s because they need people to help the other teams be organized. But it did happen that Patty, Corrine and Pat worked at the same project. They began to insulate and put skirting on a trailer. The sad part is that these are FEMA trailers that have been shown to have formaldehyde that is a cancer causing agent. It seems like such a step up for many of these families, even considering the health risks. They have nothing better. They have been living in mobile homes that were condemned in the greater society in which we live. Those trailers were then brought here to be sold to the Lakotas because they are so desperate for housing! Can you imagine the outcry if someone from home was trying to sell condemned trailers to poor families?

Janet worked at putting a new roof on another trailer, and I had the job of sorting through a ton of donated items to divide things into bundles for different sites. We then delivered our goodies. We took a lot of school supplies to different grade level schools. We took other things to the social service agencies in the different communities where people come to seek assistance. In that grouping were home-made quilts, bedding, clothes, shoes, baby items, and toiletries. At each place we were warmly received and as the things were brought in as people immediately began to sort them.

Someone sent about 30 canvas bags and our staff helper suggested that we make up bags for the residents of a veteran’s homeless facility. Re-Member had never taken things to them before, but it had been suggested that they were in need. One of our groups here is a youth group from a church in Michigan and they brought a ton of homemade quilts and lap robes. We put toiletry items and then a lap robe or quilt in about 20 bags for residents. It was great fun to sort through the donations to find things I thought the men might enjoy. When we took them, they were so delighted. This is not a nursing home or facility like I think of. The men are more independent, cooking their own meals and having chores to care for the place. There are 13 men living there. When we were ready to leave, we asked what type of things they needed. The director immediately said, “food.” It seems their refrigerators are in an area that is semi public and someone had walked away with many of their groceries. We were so dismayed at the idea of men who have served our country NOT having food to eat that the other adult volunteer and I (the only 2 adults in our group) immediately asked to be taken to the grocery store so we could buy them some food. We spent about $55 to buy stuff for the 13 men. Unfortunately it didn’t go very far. Prices in that store, the only grocery store in the community and one of only 2 on the reservation –a place the size Delaware, were about double what we would pay at our local Hy-Vee. A can of the cheapest spaghetti sauce cost $2.25! It’s no wonder that the people eat such a poor diet. They can’t afford healthy foods. And as a result of that they are building another 5 new dialysis centers on the reservation. Diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease is ravaging so many.

Before I close I want to report briefly about last night’s speaker. He spent much of his time talking about the Lakota section of the Badlands. He said that such a title is a misnomer. Lakotas would never call any part of our planet “Bad.” It seems that this title was predetermined by government sources, and they practically jammed it down the Indian Council’s throat to get the Lakota name for such. The people here call that land “the White Wilderness” and it has taken on a sacred aspect. To begin with, so many of their elders are buried there. In addition the place where we were yesterday is called the Stronghold because it is very defensible and has been the setting of so many standoffs. It is also the place where much violence has happened against the people. It is Lakota property with easement to the government for the national parks. The problem is that the Park System has put cattle on the land and the cattle are doing damage to this holy space—creating ruts, drinking from the springs in a way that changes the land, desecrating graves and disrupting the people’s use of the land. There is an ongoing battle to reclaim that bit of land away from the park system. It is tied up in the courts and while Lakota claim seems pretty strong, they feel great outrage that they must fight for what is foundationally their right and their land. I have to admit, he made a very strong case. I think if we were in their shoes we might feel the same way.
Ok. That’s enough for tonight. By this point we have had another speaker. Much to write to you tomorrow night, but for now, I need to sleep. We are well and all of us feel very blessed to be here. Thank you so much.