One Spirit

Lakota children of Pine Ridge

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 23:07:00 +0000

The challenges faced by the Lakota children of Pine Ridge will be covered on tonight's episode of 20/20 on ABC at 10pm/9c. We encourage everyone to tune in and get glimpse into the realities of life on the reservation. Further information can be found on ABC's website.

Letter from a sponsor

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 13:36:00 +0000

This letter from a current ONE Spirit sponsor is typical of the feelings expressed by so many who help our friends in need on the Pine Ridge Reservation . . .

Hi Everyone

I hope everyone is enjoying the upcoming Christmas season.

I finally got my shopping done and my boxes mailed to my elder. She received them on Wednesday. I had included blankets and gloves, clothing for her and toys and candy for her grandchildren. This is my second year of sponsorship with my family. As usual, the family is so thankful and so grateful for anything they get.

It is such a blessing for me. I went into sponsorship because I have always felt so strongly about Native Americans, I wanted to help, but every single time, I am the one that receives the blessing. I am the one whose life has been enriched, I am the one who has been shown such kindness and reminded on a daily basis how thankful I should be. I am the one who has been given the greatest gift of friendship and acceptance. My meager gifts of food and gifts have been nothing compared to the blessing of my family. If you are thinking of sponsoring, I can assure you, the blessings are abundant.

Thank You One Spirit and the many folks that work so hard every single day to provide a honest and love filled organization so that we can help. Without you all, none of this would happen. There is always kindness, always willingness to answer questions and everyone goes way above what would be their "duty". I cannot speak highly enough of the people of One Spirit. You bless us all.

I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and May everyone be blessed.

Michelle J.

ONE Spirit sponsor visits Pine Ridge

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:02:00 +0000

From time to time sponsors receive invitations to visit their families on Pine Ridge. This is always an eye-opening experience. This weekend Regina Hay, Sponsorship Program Manager for ONE Spirit, received the following letter from a sponsor who recently made her first trip. The letter was so wonderful that she got the writer's permission to share it with all of you.

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When I told friends that I was heading up to South Dakota, the first question from each person was, "Why?" Some of my military friends had been stationed in Rapid City and hold horrible memories of the winters. Others simply view it as the boring middle section of the country. There was still puzzlement after I explained that I was going to visit the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. No one talks about Native Americans these days, and, if you know anything about Pine Ridge, it's equal parts forgotten and overlooked.

I fell in love with Pine Ridge.

I grew up in a major city but have always had a soft spot for open spaces and rural countryside. Living in Texas now for the last 10 years, I've been as up close and personal with everything huge and country that's possible. But even this didn't prepare me for the overwhelming HUGENESS of the rez. The Badlands spill onto the rez, or vice versa; I wasn't sure. Driving from one road to the next, it's easy to blur the boundaries since the entire landscape has an amazing other-worldliness that's difficult to describe. I just remember cruising along a two-lane road and seeing the "Entering Pine Ridge" sign materialize on my right.

The vastness of the reservation was quite sobering. Isolation seems like a completely logical feeling for anyone who lives on the rez. It's another world but for reasons other than the landscape. From Kyle, where we were staying, to the nearest gas station in Sharp's Corner is roughly 8-10 miles. Without any public transportation, the most basic activity, be it groceries or church or work, can be a logistical struggle for someone without access to a vehicle. Winters can only be a nightmare.

On the way to Pine Ridge "town", I noticed we were almost out of gas. Based on our maps, it was closer to travel off the rez for gas, to Gordon, NE, than to head back to Sharp's Corner or Kyle. There are roughly nine "townships" on the rez, and only a few of them have convenience stores or gas stations. My friend lived in Manderson, which was over 40 miles from my hotel. When the roads are usually under construction, closed or unpaved, a morning or afternoon can go by quickly!

The people on the rez were very open and welcoming. Our first stop was the Wounded Knee site, and the folks at the makeshift "information" booths across the street were talkative and friendly, answering any questions we had. I wasn't quite sure how to compose myself, and I'm not sure why. It wasn't my first time on a rez; I'd visited the Dineh once many years ago, and they were just as gracious. I imagine the Lakota are used to receiving tourists on a daily basis, and I wasn't sure how they regard this. But I got the feeling that they understood our genuine interest, and they were more than proud to share their history with us. One lady spoke to me for almost a half hour about the story of Lost Bird, who is buried at Wounded Knee. She had such a soft voice and quiet earnestness, and I felt like I could stand there all day listening to her.

One fellow at a booth told us his story about coming home to the rez after years in Colorado City. The "white man's world" was too much for him, he told me, because it's too hectic, too stressful. There is little time for silence or quiet contemplation. Here, on the rez, the sun is his clock, and he knows that when the sun sets, it's time to head home. To someone on a much-needed break from a 9-5 job, I couldn't have been happier to hear such a sentiment.

Bette's Kitchen is a definite must as far as food. Not only is she the most accommodating restaurant owner I've ever met, but her fry bread, reportedly a recipe coveted by several media outlets, was so delicious that we purchased a bulk order to munch on during the long periods in the car. The Oglala Lakota College is another recommended stop. The Development Coordinator took time out of her day to guide us through The Heritage Center and, unexpectedly, through the entire campus. The Veteran Memorial behind the school bears the names of all the Lakota war veterans in every conflict since WWII. The Chamber of Commerce, in Kyle, also has lots of information about efforts to revive small businesses on the rez, with a focus on local artists.

The poverty on Pine Ridge was expected but not any easier to deal with. I deferred on taking any photos of my friend's home or any other home on the rez. When I arrived, she welcomed us in but apologized for the mess. Her humility was moving, but I certainly didn't want her to feel self conscious--especially when I'm wildly disorganized myself! We had a bin full of school supplies and toys for the kids, and this time I didn't take pictures simply because I forgot to. It was too much fun to watch the kids play. She's battling some personal struggles these days, and it made me rethink the issues of poverty on the rez. The spartan living conditions capture the attention of the public, but they seem almost secondary compared to the alcoholism and unemployment plaguing the families.

The wide open spaces of prairie land, sunflower fields, and breathtaking sunsets give Pine Ridge, a rez with definite challenges, a surreal and sublime atmosphere. There is certainly enough time to think during the endless hours of driving, and you can't help but take stock of the simple things when you're surrounded by sky and earth. Yes, Pine Ridge has grave issues such as suicide, gangs, and indigence. But it also has a lot of heart, and you can see it all around.

One thought that kept coming to me over the course of the week was an encounter with another Texas couple on my first day. Pine Ridge has been, they told me, their go-to "spot" for the last 20 years. It sounded so peculiar to me at the time. But as I was making the long drive home on my last day, I easily understood what they meant. All I could think about was when I could return.

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Response from another ONE Spirit friend who's been to Pine Ridge

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:57:00 +0000

For those who have never been to the reservation and actually seen the way many people have to live, it is hard to imagine that conditions like this exist in 21st century America - but they do. Last year I was asked to take pictures of an isolated, dilapidated, one room home with no electricity or running water, while the owner was in hospital suffering from an infection. I cannot post the photographs at this time, but taking them was a very difficult thing for me to do. It was the most desolate living space that I had ever seen - although very likely not the worst in the area.

In 2007 a man froze to death in his house a couple of miles from where I was staying. There was no reporting of this incident and an elderly Lakota told me: "So many people around here die untimely deaths that no one pays any attention any more."

Betty is right that none of us will be able to bring a permanent solution to the overall situation, but we can help provide food and warmth and the knowledge that somebody cares. The youth programs we support are also very important. The young people hold the future in their hands and they must have something to hope for if this epidemic of suicide is to end. Without hope it is very difficult to have life. We are making a difference, both now and for the future.
Anne

Thoughts from a ONE Spirit Area Services Coordinator

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:15:00 +0000

Hello One Spirit friends. I have not posted since I took over the position of Area Service Coordinator for Oglala and Pine Ridge this past summer. As you might imagine, it has been a busy time, getting to know both the residents of those areas on my lists and the many wonderful people who sponsor them.

The time also included a trip by my husband and me to the reservation, in October. We have been there several times before, but usually to visit friends. We certainly did that again, but we also used this visit to meet some of the families I had spoken to over the several months before the trip.

In 5 days, we put 950 miles on the rental car while driving from place to place on the reservation! For those of you who have not been there, our high mileage was caused by the great distances separating the settled areas. For example, the distance from our room at the Lakota Prairie Ranch Resort in Kyle to Pine Ridge was about 35 miles.

During our time on the reservation, we saw many things that were very difficult to see. While our philosophical discussions on this board are interesting, my focus is on the immediate needs of those in jeopardy, especially the children and elders. I don't believe that I, or anyone else from the outside, will be able to solve the "whys" and "hows" of permanent improvement on Pine Ridge Reservation. But together we can keep the children warm and fed until those with more resources step in to more permanently solve the problems.

We all know there is deep, grinding poverty on the reservation and, if we are in this group and on this board, we care very much about that. But I would have to say that this visit hit me harder than have my prior visits. Perhaps that is because we saw a wider variety of homes and people this time. We learned there are varying degrees of poverty. Some houses and trailers were small and spare, but well kept. We visited the apartment of a woman who is confined to a wheelchair and I wondered how she could possibly maneuver the chair in that space, it was so small. We visited a trailer that I thought would blow over in the next good gust of wind (and there is plenty of wind in South Dakota). We brought food with us on our visits. We were given small gifts in return. We were treated warmly and welcomed wherever we went.
I had hoped to take photos of the places I went and people I met. But I could not – not because anyone objected, but because my heart would not allow me to expose the pain and poverty of the people to the world. It seemed intrusive and felt like an invasion of their privacy. However, our friends allowed us to take photos of the house they are living in – (rented for about $500 per month). I had prior photos of what it looked like when they moved in. It has improved – slightly. This is their story . . .

They had a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 teen girls) living with one of the grandmothers in a small house with at least 7 others persons. They wanted/needed a place of their own. However, on Pine Ridge, you can be on the housing list for 10 years and still not get a place of your own. There is a dire shortage of adequate housing. So when a cousin lost the tenants in a house he had, he offered it to them at the price noted above. The little blue house has 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a larger room that includes both "living room" and "kitchen."

In the smaller bedroom, there is a queen-sized mattress on the floor (because there is no room for a bed in the room). With the mattress pushed up into one corner of the room, there is only about 6-8 inches of space between the two open sides and the opposites walls--- barely room to walk around the mattress, let alone place any other furniture. No closet. In the larger bedroom, there is the queen-sized bed with perhaps a couple of feet of space free. In that space there are boxes filled with the family's clothing and belongings. Windows are covered with blankets – less for decoration than to keep out the cold. The bathroom door has been boarded up and sealed with duct tape to prevent drafts. It isn't needed, since there is no running water in the house at all. No indoor toilet, just the outhouse. The kitchen has a couple of cupboards and a sink that again has no running water. For almost a year, until they finally obtained a water storage tank from the tribe, they had to cart all the water for their use from a family member's home in empty milk jugs. There was no stove or refrigerator for a year, until we managed to find them a second hand fridge. The electricity in the home is most certainly not up to code and fuses blow if too many things are plugged in at once.

The back door of the house is boarded up with plywood because the door was falling apart. So they have only one entrance/exit. We were able to replace the front door, which was also falling apart, on our recent visit. Their only heat source consists of 2 small electric space heaters, including one of the ones One Spirit was supplying last winter. There had been a wood stove in the house when they moved in, but it was so damaged by the prior tenants that it was unusable and had to be removed.

What moves me most is that these were not the worst conditions we encountered! I hear stories all the time about how people are trying to live and to raise their children.

The president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe recently declared a State of Emergency on the Pine Ridge Reservation because of the "overwhelming numbers of suicides and suicide attempts." In the 11 months between Oct 2008 and Aug 2009, the tribal Public Safety Dept responded to 96 suicide attempts or completions. In November 2009 alone, EMS responded to 17 suicide-related calls. That's more than one every other day! Many are teens, who see no hope living in these conditions.
As I said before, none of us can solve all these problems. But we can help supply the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter to those who are in need of those things. Everywhere we went, people thanked us for helping and told us how important even the seemingly little things, like soap, shampoo, toilet paper, shoes and cleaning supplies are.

I will try to post more often in 2010 (my New Year's resolution). I hope that the things I share will help you realize how important your small gifts and your caring are to those who receive them.

Betty B.

ONE Spirit booth at 'America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration' Plymouth, MA

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:04:00 +0000

photo of Ed Broken Feather Chandler & Jeri Baker

This past weekend ONE Spirit volunteer and advocate Ed Broken Feather Chandler once again set up to vend on behalf of ONE Spirit in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Billed as 'America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration' the event draws overs 100,000 people for a parade, the Air Force 'Tops in Blue' Band, crafts and food, and more.

This year ONE Spirit's director Jeri Baker and assistant director Diane Capalario were able to attend and visit and, along with Ed, talk with those who came by about the work of ONE Spirit.

Benefit walk for ONE SPIRIT to be held in Howth Ireland on Sat. Nov. 28th 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:45:00 +0000

Do you live in or near Dublin Ireland or know someone who does?

Could you spare a few hours to do a sponsored walk for a very good cause. One Spirit Ireland was set up to raise funds for the OS programs that support the Lakota people and allow them to take care of their elders, families, and children.

The 12K walk will begin at the railway station at 11:30am, then the walk will continue along the coast road (the seafront), finishing in Clontarf. The walk should take about 3 hours, if walking a good pace. You may leave your car in Dublin and take the train to Howth, then after the walk, take the train for the couple of stops to Dublin. You may also drive to Howth, walk to Clontarf and then take the train back to your car in Howth.

For more information on the walk or on One Spirit please contact Sue at 087-7768956 or email onespiritireland@gmail.com for more information.

Note from a sponsor -Thanks for SHARE food program

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:27:00 +0000

Periodically we get notes from our sponsors that show just how special their experiences with the families the sponsor are. This one came today.
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I have been honored to sponsor an elder for the last year with Share...Today, I received a phone call from my elder wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving and thanking me for the Huge Share Thanksgiving box that was sent to her and her family. She was clearly excited and conveyed to me how excited the children were to have turkey AND pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving.

I am so humbled and so moved today. How clearly we take so much for granted. I wish I could buy her the moon.

I wanted to say thank you to Share, all the people who work so tirelessly and diligently to put this program together for all peoples. It is such a huge blessing to both the giver and the receiver. I hope each of you involved in Share know that I, for one, thank you for all your hard work.

Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings everyone.
M. J.

The End of My Powwow Season!

noreply@blogger.com (Broken Feather) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:27:00 +0000

Hi Everybody,

The end of my powwow season is rapidly approaching! Don't get me wrong, I could use a break in my hectic schedule, but the fact remains, that the seasons harsh winter weather is about to set in at Pine Ridge! If you keep abreast of the One Spirit website, you know the call has gone out to support my efforts to raise money for One Spirit, by supplying Native American items (No resin, plastic or chinese made items) for me to resell. It's absolutely necessary to focus on funds raised, because this, the most important time of the year, where the cold can bring about incredible difficulties, for families at Pine Ridge, we need to provide wood, blankets, food and other supplies that are so important to the survival of the Lakota people. I'm sure if you're reading this post, you're involved with One Spirit already and are helping in whatever way you can. But, if you have a native mandela, dream catcher, bow, arrow & quiver, wall hanging or other native items collecting dust in a closet, please know, that item could be helping our cause to raise money, to support our efforts assisting the Oglala Lakota Sioux become self-sufficient. If you have an item you're unsure about, e-mail me at brokenfeather@verizon.net to inquire about it. Please, I beg you from the bottom of my heart, that you can make a difference in the life of a Lakota family! I concider the people that support One Spirit, the finest bunch of people from all walks of life that simply care about a people that have been neglected by the United States Government since their mid 1860's treaty! The reality remains that a $1.00 gain, can provide $3.00 worth of fresh fruit or vegetables for a child or elder, that's not a normal part of their diet! Never ever think a dollar won't make a difference. Please, do you have an idea about raising funds to assist our cause, let us know! Please help!

Membership........

noreply@blogger.com (Broken Feather) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:17:00 +0000

Well it's been a couple of weeks since I've posted any information to this site, so I guess I need to spout off again!

I've contributed financially, to One Spirit for well over a year, maybe two. From what I've noticed, is that we're not growing as an organization! I have to ask myself why? If you contribute in any way,that means you must believe in One Spirit's cause of assisting the Oglala Lakota Sioux. Are you asking relatives, friends, church members, or just plain friends to check out what you do to assist Native American's and to join your efforts to assist? Are you a contributor to a local newspaper? Write a letter to the editor explaining your contribution to One Spirit, and the Lakota Sioux! Do you live in a area that has free advertizements in local newspapers? If so, write a small article about what you do for One Spirit. Who knows, it might get picked up by a National Broadcaster for publication. It simply doesn't do us any good to become stagnant as a charitable organization. We need to grow, in order to expand our efforts to help the Oglala Lakota Sioux!

An e-mail was sent out this morning to members, looking for people interested in assisting One Spirit Management! It all revolves around growing, and that we need to do! Do you have an idea how to expand our present membership? If you do, please offer that suggestion to Jeri. Do you have marketing experiance? we need all the help we can get! What about logistics and data management? Yup, you guessed it! The bottom line is this, we're alone in the world and we need global recognition for what we do on a monthly basis!

I personaly would like to see our membership ranks grow to the point where we could have area membership meetings! Monthly meetings can generate huge benefits to membership.

I certainly don't know what you are thinking, but I as an individual, and a financial contributor to One Spirit, need to say, that there are other area's that we could offer major contributions! But we need to grow, in order to make those other area's of contribution available to the Lakota. I would love to see a college scholorship fund, to help a Lakota child attend college! We as a charitable organization owe this to at least one Lakota Child, to begin with. Hopefully, with backing, this program could be expanded to include other Lakota children! This is the real first step to breaking the cycle of poverty on Pine Ridge! You don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand the logic behind this potential program!

Write to us and tell us what you think, we want your suggestions and thoughts! The Oglala Lakota people are depending on us for their ultimate self-sufficiency, and we need to act now!

Fonda, NY, Kateri Shrine Pow-Wow

noreply@blogger.com (Broken Feather) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:14:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

I got to Fonda Wednesday afternoon, with rain on the windshield, and set-up my arbor in a drizzle of rain. Thursday was cloudy with spot showers throughout the day! Friday, "Opening Day", it rained in the morning, and was cloudy, windy and raw until about 5 PM when it started to rain again. Saturday was much of the same, with the muddy areas over ankle deep! Straw was brought in and spread over the really bad mud trenches, much to everyone's relief. On Sunday, I awoke about 5:30ish. The sun was shining on the horizon and there wasn't a cloud to be seen!

Saturday, there was a contingency from France, that came through the pow-wow grounds. I was talking to a woman, who had a strange look on her face, when someone in her group said, "she's from France and doesn't understand English". When I heard that, I yelled out "Mon Ami!" and gave her a big hug! That broke the ice with the group. It got even better, when I told their interpreter about the group in France that supports One Spirit. Then, everyone wanted One Spirit's website address, for the link to the group in France. I had a ball with my really,really bad broken French Canadian, and had everyone laughing at me. Surely the highlight of my day!

I was a really big hit with the mosquito's at Fonda! I'll be scratching mosquito and spider bites for at least a week! Pictured below is a moth that invaded my arbor early Thursday night. It had a wing span of 5", with a body length of over 3". It was camouflage in coloration. I made absolutely no attempt to remove it!

I had the pleasure of watching the Iroquois Veteran's Color Guard, carry the flags, during the Grand Entry on Sunday! Quite a sight and very solemn. On a more lighter note, the sounds of the drums, even had visiting Nun's dancing in the Circle, to the beat of the Native Two Step Dance. surely a sight I'll never forget! Who knew Nun's danced?

The Kateri Shrine provided a wonderful location for this annual pow-wow. The beautifully manicured grounds and the visitor's on Pilgrimage to this Christian Mohawk Santuary just helped make this pow-wow a success, even with days and days of bad weather. Those that attended wearing Native Regalia, were besieged with requests from the tourist's for pictures! It also made a great location to make people aware of One Spirit and the plight of the Lakota people at Pine Ridge. I was really proud to represent One Spirit!

Below are some of the pictures that I took, I hope you enjoy them!

Edward Broken Feather

Kateri Pow-Wow, Fonda, NY

noreply@blogger.com (Broken Feather) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:13:00 +0000

Hello Again!

I almost forgot to mention that this coming weekend I'll be vending at the Mohawk/Metis Pow-Wow, at the Kateri Shrine, In Fonda, NY, on the 3rd., 4th., and 5th., of July! For more information about the Kateri Shrine, please copy and paste this address into a browser, http://www.katerishrine.com/ This pow-wow will last three days and will include a annual meeting of the Metis Nation of North America and Canadian Bands!

If you're a volunteer/sponsor of One Spirit and live in the Schenectady/Fonda, NY area, do not hesitate to stop into my booth and introduce yourself. I'd love to meet you.

Edward Broken Feather

Medicine Bear Pow-Wow, Rochester, NH

noreply@blogger.com (Broken Feather) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:40:00 +0000

Hi Everyone!

This past weekend I was a vendor at Medicine Bear Pow-Wow in Rochester, NH. The third pow-wow of the new season for me as a fund raiser for One Spirit. The weather certainly wasn't perfect, but I managed to raise over $500.00. I had an expecially nice treat, when Diane Capalario and her husband visited me on Saturday, to see first hand all the stupid things I do and say to grab peoples attention, on behalf of One Spirit. Shown above is a picture of me and Diane at the pow-wow. I can't begin to explain the great joy I get raising money for One Spirit and ultimately the Oglala Lakota people. You don't have to be a Donald Trump to raise money. Such events as a yard sale, bake sale, flea market vendor, adopting a school/church/temple for fund raising, etc. The important part is realizing that every single donation, small or large is critical to the support of on going programs that One Spirit promotes. I give each person that purchases a item from me the same enthusiastic thanks, whether the sale was a dollar or twenty dollars. They need to know that they're making a real difference in the life of a Lakota person.

More on my excursions for One Spirit soon!

Edward Broken Feather

Another letter . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:15:00 +0000

We would like to share with you some of the stories we hear regularly from families. This family has been living in the basement of a house that is occupied by other family members. They have slept in cars when the basement smell became overwhelming because of sewage backup and in the summertime have camped out. In spite of the poverty, they have managed to keep up the morale of their children and they look for ways to give them a better today and tomorrow.

Here is Trina's letter:

If there is any way to get some help with my kids then I welcome it. I have tried so hard to keep my kids, KIDS. There is so much influences out there and I see young ones succumbing to them. I try so hard to give them opportunities that will be beneficial, feed them healthy food, show them how to be Lakota relatives, and use every chance to be a positive role model, in this environment which is geared to be oppressive.

Yesterday we went to my mothers in Wounded Knee and I made bread. I instructed my daughter on how the ingredients interact and what does what to make the bread taste so good. I made a lot and was anticipating some good bread for today but it went quick while we were there. I also made some cinnamon rolls. The little ones there were quite happy and content to eat some tasty hot bread and it made me appreciate the small things.

The snow from last week was just melting and it made a mess. When we got home last night the water run off filled the sewer up again and it came into the basement where the family sleeps). The smell was horrible and it burned my nose. We spent two hours trying to alleviate the situation. Dave went outside and manually drained the sewer, and I was downstairs sweeping it to the drain hole. It was pointless because the sewer filled up quickly again.

Winter showed up again. another blizzard blew in, and school was cancelled. Our food is low again.

I've seen firsthand the many ways a child can be influenced wrongly. My Daniel was born with a heart murmur. I prayed so hard for so long and it went away. I've never underestimated the power of prayer. First born sons are doted on in my family, Daniel was always favored and gently guided into doing the right thing as is tradition for young males in our culture. I've never had any opportunities to spoil him but I do try to provide for him. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, and wouldn't hurt anyone intentionally.

He takes care of his possessions but isn't materialistic in any way, isn't influenced by clothing trends, and is very understanding when I can't buy the latest movie or game. He's very protective of his sisters. He will sit by himself and pretend beans or q-tips are army men. He will wrestle with puppies that he rescued from the landfill. Always looking for leftovers and table scraps to feed them

The amenities urban youth take for granted aren't available here; no swimming pool, bowling alley, movie theatres, or shopping malls. That is why we make do with what little we have. We tell stories about the stars, the legends of old, and laugh at old memories.

Daniel is currently in the Gifted and Talented Program at his school. He participated in the Gear UP Program since 2006. Its a summer program. He is consistently on the honor roll every quarter and goes on the incentive trips. We have many honor roll pins for him. He won Best of the Best in the reservation wide science fair when he was in the sixth grade. It was better than grand prize and I got to go with him to receive his award.

For the past two years he has volunteered to dress up as Dr. Seuss and read to the kindergarten class. He won a leadership award at the Shannon County Awards Banquet when he was in the sixth grade. He will go again this May for Academic Achievement. He and another were selected to be Student Council Representatives. He was also chosen to speak in front of state and tribal representatives at the grand opening of his new school. His teachers are always commenting on what a joy he is to have in their class.

He shows leadership qualities and somehow manages to calm his classmates down. I just couldn't ask for a better son. He chose his own lakota name which is Wanbli Oyakpa translated into golden eagle. Daniel truly is a golden eagle and will fly high.

Trina

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Horses help change a young life

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:35:00 +0000

Back in January we shared a letter we received from Mona Brave about her 13 year old nephew, to whom she is mom, and how the Big Foot Ride helped to change the path of his life.

Since that time, her nephew has completed a treatment program dealing with his symptoms resulting from fetal alcohol syndrome and Post Traumatic Stress caused by an experience described by Mona below. Recently he was honored for his fortitude and bravery during the ride and for his accomplishments in completing the treatment program. Below is Mona's speech presented at the time of his honoring and photos of Mona and her nephew and the star quilt he received for his accomplishments.

Cyrus with Mom Mona and Grandmother Annabelle Between Lodges

We would especially like to express our appreciation to Mona for sharing these family stories.

MONA'S SPEECH AT THE ONTRAC CONFERENCE
FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2009

I am the mother of six beautiful children: one biological son, Derek (26), one adopted son JD (16); and three nephews, Cyrus (13); Dylan (11); Yamni (8); and one niece, Shannae (10). I currently reside in Oglala with my tiwahe. I am employed as the OST Benefits Coordinator.

My brother raised his four children for several years as a single parent. He may have an alcohol problem but he made sure his children's education came first and always ensured they were in school everyday. For a single parent he tried his best and for that I commend him for all his efforts to care for and love his children. In May 2004, the children's mother came into their lives and kidnapped them from school. She knowingly took them when she was homeless and did not have a safe home for them. She took them to Sioux Falls to a homeless shelter where they were eventually placed in a foster home after the police officers noticed that they were in a park all day without adult supervision. They stayed in a foster home while my mother and I tried to get them back. It was frustrating at times, as it seemed we ran into a lot of red tape but we learned that that goes with the territory. I commend my mother for her diligence in not giving up.

We obtained a court order to get the children back. It took four months to complete the process but had it not been for the staff of ONTRAC it may have taken longer. I appreciate their help and their commitment in seeing that the children are home with us. I am my brother's sister and in true Lakota tradition I am their mother and I can truly say that I am proud to be their mother. I have raised them for the past three years.

I believe it was my destiny to have the children a part of our lives and to be the mother to them. It is my responsibility to see that the children have a safe and loving home where neither drugs nor alcohol are any longer a part of their lives. This is the first time in their lives they had a stable home where they don't have to worry about anything and where they can feel safe and know that there is someone there for them at all time.

It hasn't been an easy journey. We have made a lot of adjustments in our life. It has been a struggle getting them the help they so desperately needed. I have learned and continue to learn on a daily basis a great deal about dealing with children with post traumatic stress disorder; about fetal alcohol syndrome and about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. I went through a period of anger with their parents as I blamed them for these symptoms and I myself have received counseling. I blamed their mother for two of them having fetal alcohol syndrome and knowing that they have to live with this for the rest of their lives. I have since learned to deal with this anger and to pray for their mother and father. I know in my heart that the children will be with me for a lifetime and I am going to see them through the successes in their lives.

We, as a family, participate in the Wakanyeja Pawiciyapi program where all the healing is geared towards the traditional ways of our people so in addition to healing we are also learning our Lakota traditions. We participate in the sweats and ceremonies and the many activities they provide. I am thankful to the personnel within that program and the efforts that they put forth in helping us heal together. It has had a profound effect on us as we have begun the healing process and we still have a long way to go, as it is an everyday endeavor.

Yes, as a mother, I can proudly say our family has re-claimed our children. It is truly amazing being a parent to six children and it makes me proud to say "Yes" these are my children. I am proud of their accomplishments and for always trying their best in all that they do. I love them all so much and my dream and prayers are for them to lead successful and productive lives and I will be with them every step of the way.

There are numerous people I want to thank for helping me whether it is emotional support or physical support and they are:

My mother - thanks for always being there for me and for encouraging me never to give up when times get hard.
My father - who loves having the children at his home.
Troy Briggs - my friend who always bluntly tells me how it is and lifts me up when I am having a bad day.
Ramona White Plume - who always encourages me and my family.
Rick Two Dogs - for the many prayers and help he has offered our family.
Jeri Baker - who always supports our family's endeavors and is always so encouraging.
JD Brave - my teenager, who is so understanding and who never hesitates to help me.
Joyce Whiting - who is my counselor and always has the right words.
Carol Binnington - for being so supportive.
Nicole Jette - for helping our whole family and being so supportive.
Derek Yellow Cloud - for helping to watch the kids.
Filmore He Crow - for being patient and understanding of me and the children.
Juanita Scherich - for her tireless work in seeing that children, including mine, are home with families.
Valarie Janis - for her endless hours of working with children.

Mitakuye Oyasin

Letter from a sponsored family

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:04:00 +0000

Many ONE Spirit sponsors exchange letters or phone calls with those they sponsor. Below is a letter one sponsor recently received, and both the sponsor and the writer gave us permission to share it with you . . . Connections like this make sponsoring a family, an elder or a child through ONE Spirit a very personal and remarkable experience.

******
Thank you so much for writing back. I got comfort from you when you said that new people in our lives bring happiness. My baby filled a void that my family didn't know was there. We were sitting around watching her play on the carpet and my husband wondered how we were living without her. You both were right. Just looking at her fills my heart with joy. I watch her sleep and see how beautiful she is.

She's a big girl for her age. She wears a size 5 in pampers and 18 months in clothes. I guess my family is big, my 14 year old is taller than me. Today he stood and made a speech in front of the whole school, tribal council members, state legislators, and the general public. I was so nervous for him, hoping he wouldn't mispronounce words. He kept his cool and I was so proud of him. Out of 180 students he was chosen by the principal and teacher to give this speech. All the sacrifices I have made for my children are so worth it. I spend three hours making dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls for them. Their smiles and thanks are worth my sore feet. I love their noise too.

I am trying to make a video documentary of all the challenges my family has had to go through and send it to a tv show that remodels homes for worthy people. I truly believe my mothers story is worth it. However I have looked high and low for a available camcorder to borrow to make this. I couldn't find any. I tried taking pictures but my camera is missing the memory card. I think I will give up on that and try something different.

It was cold today but the fresh air was welcome. There is an eagle that flies around and I can hear the screeches. One time I saw two of them on the side of a hill close to home. The first glance I thought it was an elderly woman with white hair wrapped in a buffalo robe. That is how big the first eagle was. When I saw the second one, I recognized that they were eagles. I prayed and left them to their business, and my day was a good one.

I must go now, but I hope to hear from you again. You are in my prayers.

*******

Lakota Painting to benefit ONE Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:22:00 +0000

Another wonderful example of Lakota art, this 11" X 14" acrylic painting by an Elder from the Pine Ridge Reservation, was just auctioned on eBay to benefit ONE Spirit.

This auction has ended, but new Lakota works of art and crafts benefiting ONE Spirit are regularly offered through the eBay Giving Works program. We are grateful to both the artists and eBay for making this possible.

ONE Spirit's Lakota Art Market Program latest work of art

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:54:00 +0000

ONE Spirit supports Lakota ecomonic initiatives for self sufficiency including a Fair Market for jewelry, arts, and Women’s Sewing co-ops.

Currently on eBay is an exquisite bolo-style medallion necklace by Lakota artist Chester Sitting Bear. From the incredibly time consuming and perfectly executed Peyote Rope Stitch to the Butterscotch Agate residng in the center, this piece is doing much to bring attention to our organization.

To view the eBay listing, including additional close-up photos of this masterpiece, please go to

Bolo-style medallion

or search ONE Spirit on eBay under Giving Works, if you prefer.

Predicted Wind Chill Temperature: -1 Degree (1/9/09)

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:38:00 +0000

HEAT APPEAL - JANUARY 2009

Three houses have burned on the reservation in the last three weeks. Twenty people lived in those houses. The fires were started from efforts to keep warm by burning clothes and whatever was available.

During the past week, One Spirit volunteers found conditions that are difficult to comprehend:

A young couple who have a severely handicapped baby are staying in one room with the heater we gave them to keep warm. They are out of propane and have been for some time.

A mother and 4 children in an older house saw part of their roof blow off during a high wind. Some of the Lakota people who work closely with One Spirit gathered what scraps they could and repaired the roof temporarily, but it is still lacking insulation and lets in the bitter cold.

At one heater delivery, the people they were looking for were not at home. The grandmother next door offered to keep the heater until her neighbors returned. The men hauled the heater inside and found that the grandmother's house was very cold and she had been out of propane for quite a while.

An older couple live in a 2 bedroom trailer with garbage bags taped over their missing windows. Huddled in the living room for warmth, they have a wood stove but no wood.

An elder had no propane. A very old furnace was sitting on her lawn; it was not working. She had been using the oven of her kitchen stove to keep warm.
With your help we have been able to place 1000 heaters in homes on the reservation. Our goal is to send another 150 at a cost of $6000.

The economic times are hard for everyone and even more so for those who live in this extreme poverty.

EVERY DONATION COUNTS.

Love and Peace,
Jeri, Diane and the One Spirit Staff

Basic Lakota words

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:53:00 +0000

(3/28/09)The basic Lakota word feature is going on vacation for a while . . . please leave a comment if you are really missing it . . . thanks!

For those of you who have been missing the daily Lakota word, we want you to know that it was just on vacation! To tidy up the blog a bit the newest word will now be found to the left, in the sidebar. Thanks to Ed Broken Feather for getting this aspect of our blog going, and for continuing to choose words and expressions for us to learn!

As new words appear there, the old words will be archived in this very post, so that you can always look back here to find the words you may have forgotten or missed. Simply scroll down past the Google Ad bar and under 'Click Below to Read a Series' choose 'Basic Lakota words.'
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to help each other: OKICIYA (oh-kee-chee-yah)
peacemaker: GLUSTA (glue-shdan)
potatoes: BLO (bloh)
rainbow: WIGMUKE (wee-gmue-kay)
beadwork: WAKSUPI (wah-kshue-pee)
road: OCANKU (oh-chahn-kue)
night: HAHEPI (hahn-hay-pee)
basket: PSA WOGNAKE(p-shah woh-ghnah)
nose: PASU (pah-sue)
people: OYATE (oh-yah-day)
storm: OSICECA (oh-shee-chay-chah)
water: MNI (mnee)
president: TUNKASILAYA PI (duen-kah-shee-lah-yah pee)
telephone: MASAPE (mahs-ah-pay)
name: CAJE (chah-zjay)
roof: TICE(dee-chay)
lodge: AKAHPE (ahn-kah-ghpay)
mountain: HE (ghay)
onion: PSIN (p-shee)
sunrise: WIHINAPE(wee-hee-nah-pay)
ancient (old) : TANIKA (dahn-nee-kah)
beef: TALO (dah-loh)
bee: TEMUGA ZIZILA (day-mue-ghah zjee-zjee-lah)
canned fruit: WASKUYECA (wahsh-kue-yea-chah)
old woman: WIHUHCALA (wee-nue-ghchah-lah)
old man: WECAHCALA (wee-chah-ghchah-lah)
sleep: ISTIME (ee-shdee-may)
acorn:UTA (ue-dah)
teeth: HI (hee)
thread: HAHUTA (hah-ghuen-dah)
wagon: CAPAPI (chahn-pahn-pee)
words: WICO IYE (wee-choh ee-yea)
yard: HOCOKA (hoh-choh-kah)
young girl: WICICALA (wee-chee-chah-lah)
milk (from a cow):ASANPI YUSLI PI (ah-sahn-pee yue-slee pee)
mail: WOWAPI (woh-wah-pee)
lizard: AGLESKA (ah-glay-shkah)
kettle: CEGA (chay-ghah)
job: WOWASI (woh-wah-shee)
Tomatoes: OJIJITKA (ohn-zjee-zjee-dkah)
Song: OLOWA (oh-loh-wahn)
Rice (wild): PSIN (pshee)
Trousers: UZOGI (uen-zoh-ghee)
Prayer: WOCEKIYE (woh-chay-kee-yea)
Rope: WIKA (wee-kahn)
poles (for a tipi) : TUSU (due-shue)
puppy: WUNHPALA (wuen-ghpah-lah)
honor: YUONIHA (yue-oh-nee-hahn)
oxen: PTE BLOKA (pday bloh-kah)
mule: SOSOLA (shohn-shohn-lah)
life: WICONI (wee-choh-nee)
insect: WABLUSKA (wah-blue-shkah)
knife (kitchen): MIYUTAPAPI (mee-yue-dah-pah-pee)

Horses Help the Children, So Can You

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:53:00 +0000

Horses have a well-documented role in reaching troubled and challenged kids, giving them simultaneously freedom and a bond of camaraderie in return for responsibility and kindness.

ONE Spirit encourages and supports Lakota Sioux programs involving kids and horses. The Big Foot Ride just completed is an example of this. Please consider helping ONE Spirit make participation in events like this possible for more kids.

**********
The following thoughts from Mona Brave, whose nephew completed this ride, speak to the critical need for these kinds of programs.

"During the week of December 22nd through December 29th, 2008, our family had the awesome experience of participating in the Si Tanka Wookiksuye. My nephew, Cyrus participated in the ride and we supported him throughout the ride in hopes that things will begin to change for him. He has experienced a lot in his thirteen years and our prayers as well as his were to not only pray for all our relatives but to pray for him as well. As many people know, alcoholism, drugs, social problems from these issues are rampant across the reservation. The problems associated with a mother who drinks while pregnant has a lifetime effect on a child. It has been my experience to try to deal with these effects and it has been a real struggle. It makes me wonder just how many of our sacred children across the reservation are experiencing these effects and who is helping them if even they are getting help. We have gone through traditional ceremonies and counseling sessions and it is an everyday struggle to try to cope and to try to understand not only for my nephew but also for our family as it has affected the entire dynamics of the circle of life. It is our hope to combat these issues even if it is to make an impact on one person and that is my prayer for my nephew. Cyrus loves riding horses and had a great experience while on the Big Foot Ride. He said he was anxious everyday to ride and to feel free. He met a lot of different people and had a chance see the “world” in a new perspective. I strongly believe that equine therapy will be a new avenue of seeking help he so desperately needs. The belief of our people is that we are one with the winged, the four legged, the plants and so it is with this in mind that I want for Cyrus as well as other children throughout the reservation to be able to experience this oneness. It is my prayer that children throughout the reservation get help for issues they are dealing with and go back to our traditional ways of life. My prayers to friends and relatives, near and far."

Lakota Arts & Crafts to benefit ONE Spirit on EBAY

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:38:00 +0000

The medallion below is an example of the incredible artistry of Lakota craftsmen, and its sale will benefit the work of ONE Spirit.

To view the EBay listing, as well as additional close-up photographs of this amazing piece, go to Eagle Medallion

Alternatively, you can go to the EBay homepage www.ebay.com and paste

Lakota Sioux Beaded Quilled Eagle necklace & poster New

in their search box to be taken to the medallion's page.

Along with the medallion the purchaser will receive a free ONE Spirit Lakota Eagle poster and free shipping Worldwide.

Here is an opportunity to own a finely crafted Lakota work of art, and help ONE Spirit at the same time.

A Call to Young Warriors, to all Young People

noreply@blogger.com (Mezzobean) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:13:00 +0000

This came to a ONE Spirit friend today, and since the following permission appears at the end I thought it would be wonderful to share here on the blog. Please respect this permission if you choose to pass the article along to others. Thanks!

This article may be reprinted, reproduced, and/or re-distributed unedited with proper attribution and sourcing for non-profit, educational, news, or archival purposes.

A Call to Young Warriors, to all Young People

Lakota Spiritual Leader and Head Man, David Swallow, Speaks to Lakota Youth

www.silvrdrach.homestead.com/Schwartz_2008_Dec_27.html

by David Swallow,

Lakota Spiritual Leader and a Headman of the Lakota Nation

Edited and Published by Stephanie M. Schwartz,

Member, Native American Journalists Association (NAJA)

Photo by Leslye Abbey © September, 2008 Porcupine, South Dakota

Young American Indians today suffer from many problems of the modern world. Alcohol and drug abuse, early pregnancies, gangs, and psychological disorders are everywhere on the Reservations. However, a lot of the development of these issues can be historically traced back to World War II or shortly before.

The 1924 Indian Citizenship Act created a special kind of dual citizenship which made American Indians into citizens of the United States (for the first time) as well as citizens of their own sovereign nations. Finally, Indians could vote. But also, for the first time, they could be drafted into the military.

The young Lakota Warriors looked at the military as a way to prove themselves as warriors. They believed it was an honorable extension of the traditional warrior ways.

So, young American Indians went off to World War II. After 100 years of forced boarding schools which resulted in generations of young Indians losing their sense of identity, family and traditions, the military became like the family they had never been allowed to have. They were grouped into companies which lived together and fought together and bonded with each other as a unit, as a family.

When the young warriors came home, they often became lost. With their military family no longer existing, gangs began to form to take their place. An example is the Hell’s Angels, the famous motorcycle gang, which was started in the late 1940’s. It is commonly believed to have been founded by ex-members of famous military fighting units of the same name.

Then, in 1953, long after Prohibition had ended, President Eisenhower made it legal to sell alcohol to American Indians for the first time. This changed the lives of all Indian people.

In his grandfathers’ day, the Lakota warrior came from a good family where he had been taught good behavior, good manners, respect for all life and good relationship with all living things. His parents never lied to him and he never lied to anyone. He was reliable and practiced honor and respect with a clean mind.

Even with all those qualities, he still had to qualify to be a member of a warrior society. He had to prove himself. It wasn’t just about fighting. But when he did fight, even then he practiced respect. He never mutilated another warrior.

The young warrior also never stole from his own people. He never beat-up or took advantage of his people. He never practiced sexual assaults on anyone.

The young warrior knew his real purpose was to protect his people and their lives. He knew his purpose was to protect the c’anunpa carriers, the sacred pipe carriers, and the holy men and spiritual leaders. He also listened to and learned from the holy men and spiritual leaders. He not only respected and protected life but he also learned to practice compassion. He acted with honor.

The young warrior knew that if he did all this, life would be beautiful and all would live in harmony.

But with the effects of alcohol, drugs, and the continuing policies of the Federal government towards the Plains Tribes, most of this has become lost and forgotten.

These policies aren’t so different from those practiced against other ethnic groups throughout history. The Irish, the Italians, the Jewish, the Gypsies, and many others all experienced what was called ethnic cleansing. But, for the American Indian, the policies still continue today.

These policies try to force us to live in ghetto housing called Cluster Housing. These policies have taken away our traditional foods that kept us healthy. These policies have created a private state prison system that makes money on incarcerating our young people rather than rehabilitating them. These policies have kept my children, my grandchildren and nephews and nieces, from learning how to survive and live from the land.

These policies and politics have created the “haves” and the “have-nots”, a two-level society of extremes on the reservation favoring corruption and nepotism in BIA and reservation government relationships.

We have no YMCA. Many have no job or any possibility of a job. We have no vocational training centers. We have no residential treatment centers for children and teens as an alternative to jail like they have in the cities.

Hope is hard to find. So belonging to a gang has become the only way for many of our young people to feel good, to feel needed and wanted.

Now, they say the Lakota are “Third World Welfare Recipients.” But worse is the fact that our young people steal from each other. Our people shoot and hurt each other. They practice deceit and abuse our girls. Elders now live in fear. The traditional values of the Lakota warrior no longer exist. They have become lost to alcohol and drugs and gangs.

So today, I am calling on all young Lakota warriors and young Lakota people. We need you to help save the future generations to come. Not me, not Grandpa, I don’t need saving. But your children and your grandchildren do.

Get back into your own traditional spirituality and traditional ways and values. Those hold the answers for you. Those will guide you and help you to know who you are more than any gang ever could. And it will be you who will bring the harmony back to our lives.

It will be you who will bring back hope to our People.

Ho he’cetu yelo. I have spoken these words.

David Swallow, Wowitan Yuha Mani

Porcupine, South Dakota - The Pine Ridge Reservation

This article may be reprinted, reproduced, and/or re-distributed unedited with proper attribution and sourcing for non-profit, educational, news, or archival purposes.

Stephanie M. Schwartz may be reached at SilvrDrach@Gmail.com

View other publications of Stephanie M. Schwartz at

Freelance Writer and Editor www.SilvrDrach.homestead.com

Member, Native American Journalists Association (NAJA)

President, Link Center Foundation www.linkcenterfoundation.org

The Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:56:00 +0000

Greetings from the land of our Honorable Chiefs Crazy Horse, Big Foot, Sitting Bull, and all who have gone before us. Winter is upon us…the beauty of white crisp snow and brisk fresh air it brings renews my spirit. I pray for our elderly who have an enormous amount of knowledge and pray our generation and our younger generations learn from their teachings.

The Si Tanka Wokiksuye (Big Foot Ride) is happening this week. I took my nephew to participate in the Ride. The journey our relatives are taking is in remembrance and honor of those who followed the same path. My nephew has really struggled the past few years and he is on this journey to pray not only for himself and all his relatives but to feel the spiritual connection between himself and tasunka (horse) as they will ride as one. Cyrus loves horses and he said when he rides it makes him feel free and feel good about himself, that is a real plus considering the issues he deals with especially for child his age. The everyday struggles with alcoholism and drug use is overwhelming for a 13 year old. My prayers are with our people as they make this journey.

Mitakuye Oyasin.

Mona Brave

Lakota Daily Word

noreply@blogger.com (Broken Feather) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:12:00 +0000

Daily Lakhota Wico Iye (Words)

12/22/2008

Coffee: Wakalyapi (wah-kahl-yah-pee)