Housing on Pine Ridge is in a dismal state. Recent studies show that more than 5,000 new homes are needed right now. The homeless on the Reservation are invisible, as inherent in Lakota culture is the concept of taking in people who are in need of shelter. This results in many people residing in tiny, inadequate houses. Because the need is so great, no one organization, governmental entity, or person can do it all. From Tribal Government, to Federal Agencies, to nonprofits like Re-Member, all must work together toward addressing this overwhelming need. This led to the formation the Oglala Lakota Home Coalition. The Coalition will become a coordinating entity, bringing all groups who work on housing issues together. It will publish a booklet with information on all such groups, and facilitate better communication. Our goals are no less lofty than a unified effort to build affordable, sustainable, low-maintenance, energy efficient homes across Pine Ridge.

 

This is the first time in the history of Pine Ridge that organizations, both governmental and nongovernmental, have come together as a cohesive group. All those in attendance realize that only by working together can life improve on Pine Ridge. And only by working together can we all, finally, meet the housing needs for the Oglala Lakota Nation. 

 

 

 

 

This year, Ashley Hilbrand was an intern here at Re-Member for her third summer. She made her first trip as a volunteer with Grant United Church of Christ in 2004. Ashley keeps coming back because of the Lakota people she met and her belief in Re-Member's goals.  Also, she says, "the kids are fantastic." At our Sunday Community Dinners in the summer, Ashley travels with a large crowd of local children. After Ashley's second year as a volunteer, her group leader encouraged her to apply for a job. Ashley decided that one week just wasn't long enough to get the full picture. 

Ashley is now a senior at Hope College, double majoring in chemistry and psychology. She is in the process of applying to medical school and hopes to become a pediatrician and practice medicine here on Pine Ridge. A spring break trip through Hope College took Ashley to an Indian Health Service Hospital on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation in New Mexico. The hospital and overall healthcare system inspired Ashley's passion to do all she can to make it better.  

 

The 2008 Peace and Dignity Journey focuses on the sacred sites throughout the Americas. Just prior to visiting Re-Member, the runners spent time at the Mass Grave at Wounded Knee. 

 

 

Visit their website at:

http://peaceanddignityjourneys.com