Warmth Through Generosity: 37 Families Helped This Winter
37 propane deliveries were made to families in need across our community. These crucial deliveries were made in partnership with Lakota Plains Propane, ensuring that families stayed warm and safe during some of the harshest months of the year.
Every gallon of propane delivered represents more than just heat — it’s a gesture of care, solidarity, and hope. Your donations made this possible, and we are deeply grateful.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to meeting the basic needs of our community, especially during times of hardship. Thank you for standing with us. Wóphila – thank you.
Sharing a meaningful collaboration with The Bear Project, aimed at fostering sustainable agriculture and community resilience. A new greenhouse is being built on 5 acres of land in the town of Pine Ridge-marking a powerful step forward in supporting the community with local food production.
This startup greenhouse will be smaller in size but incredibly durable, built specifically to withstand harsh weather conditions common to the region. Its sturdy construction ensures that growing seasons can be extended, crops can thrive, and the community can access fresh, healthy produce year-round food production.
In addition to the greenhouse, funds were also provided to construct raised garden beds. These beds are essential for efficient, accessible gardening and contribute to better soil management and plant health. Together, these efforts not only promote food sovereignty but also empower the community through hands-on stewardship of the land.
We look forward to seeing this project grow and to the positive impact it will bring to all involved.
Stay tuned for updates as this initiative blossoms!
The Bear Project adds 3 New Sewing Machines
Three sewing machines were purchased to support The BEAR Project, further enhancing the program’s offerings in both life skills and cultural education.
Beyond practicality, this initiative also supports cultural preservation. Youths have the opportunity to learn how to craft traditional garments, including ceremonial dresses for powwows, Sundance, and other sacred events. This fosters creativity and self-reliance and deepens connections to Lakota identity and heritage.
This is more than sewing—it’s empowerment through tradition and skill-building.
http://www.pbs.org/show/the-bears-on-pine-ridge/
“Filmmakers spent 7 years to capture an incredible story of hope and resilience within an isolated Native American community on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. This cinematic piece offers viewers unprecedented access to a State-of-Emergency unfolding in South Dakota, where the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe grapples with a deeply troubling youth mental health crisis. With little to no assistance from the Federal Government, the burden of healing their community falls upon the resilient residents of Pine Ridge. At the heart of this narrative is a revered Lakota elder, who selflessly puts her own well-being on the line to address the myriad needs of the reservation. In an inspiring endeavor to empower young survivors of suicide, they spearhead a youth performance project known as The BEAR Program. Composed predominantly of suicide survivors who still wrestle with depression, self-harm, or PTSD, The BEAR Program forms a resilient and uplifting collective. Clad in vibrant animal costumes, the group energetically dances and performs comedic skits to their community. These performances not only uplift spirits during the crisis but also empower the young suicide survivors to spread the message of “choosing life”.
“The Bears on Pine Ridge” is both a witness to tragedy and a testament to the power of grassroots resilience. It confronts stark realities—systemic neglect, chronic underfunding, and the cultural weight of mental health stigma—and yet centers on transformation. By documenting how Indigenous leadership, creative outreach, and peer support can fill the gaps left by under-resourced institutions, the film serves as both a wake-up call and a blueprint for action.
– filmindependent.org
To help out The Bear Project you can donate directly to their 501c3 charity, http://bearproject.net/
Building Buzz for Food Sovereignty: Launching Our Beekeeping Program on Pine Ridge
As the relationships continue to deepen on the Pine Ridge Reservation, one of the most meaningful ways we’ve been able to engage is through food sovereignty initiatives—efforts that empower communities to grow, harvest, and control their own food systems.
Our latest step in that journey? Bees.
This spring, we launched our Beekeeping Program in partnership with Oyate Teca Project, a grassroots organization based in Kyle, South Dakota. Together, we hosted a two-day seminar at the Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center, where participants came together to learn the ins and outs of beekeeping—a skill that’s as practical as it is powerful.
The workshop was led by Willie Pilipauskas of Willie’s Honey Company, a seasoned beekeeper with a passion for education. From the history and cultural significance of beekeeping to hands-on hive setup and bee care, Willie walked participants through every step of what it takes to start and sustain a healthy apiary.
Why bees? Beyond their vital role in pollination and ecosystem health, bees provide an accessible path to economic and environmental sustainability. Honey and beeswax products can support local enterprise, and healthy hives contribute to stronger food systems by supporting native plant growth and crop pollination.
This program is about more than honey. It’s about connection—to land, to tradition, and to each other. It’s about creating opportunities for self-reliance, resilience, and revitalization. And it’s just the beginning.
The momentum with follow-up workshops, hive-building sessions, and mentorship opportunities. Most importantly, we’re committed to supporting the community members who will take this knowledge and carry it forward.
Let’s keep building the buzz—together.
C20 India 2023: Celebrating Lakota Leaders and Their Impact
Our president, Tom Voitas, had the honor of presenting two remarkable women leaders from the Pine Ridge Reservation at the C20 India 2023 online conference. This event was a powerful opportunity to amplify their voices and highlight the important work they are doing to preserve the Lakota spirit and empower future generations.
Empowering Lakota Women Leaders
At the heart of this conversation were two incredible women who have dedicated their lives to strengthening the Lakota community in ways that go beyond survival – they are focused on thriving. Through their efforts, they’ve ensured that the Lakota culture and heritage remain strong, while also creating vital opportunities for personal and community growth.
These leaders are actively working to:
– Support Sustainable Food Practices: They have spearheaded initiatives that help the Lakota community grow their own food, reconnecting with traditional agricultural practices and ensuring that the people of Pine Ridge have access to healthy, locally grown produce.
– Encourage Artistic Expression: Art has long been a vital expression of Lakota culture, and these leaders are helping young people in the community pursue their artistic endeavors. By nurturing the next generation of artists, they’re preserving the rich cultural legacy of the Lakota people while offering a platform for creative voices.
– Create Skill-building Opportunities for Youth: Perhaps most importantly, these women are paving the way for Lakota youth to learn valuable skills that will serve them for years to come. From technical training to mentorship, they are providing the tools necessary for the younger generation to thrive in today’s world.
Tom Voitas at C20 India 2023: Bridging Global Conversations
Tom’s participation at the C20 India 2023 conference was a significant moment for Lakota Circle, as it allowed us to share the strength and resilience of the Lakota community with a global audience. The conference was part of the G20 Summit, that brought together civil society leaders from around the world to discuss pressing global issues.
In presenting these Lakota women leaders, Tom highlighted the crucial role of Indigenous communities in preserving cultural traditions, promoting sustainability, and creating opportunities for future generations. This was not just about showing the challenges they face — it was about celebrating their strengths, their creativity, and their commitment to making a difference on their own terms.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Work
While this was a major moment in our journey, it is just one step in the ongoing effort to support the Lakota community and preserve the traditions that define them. As we continue to build partnerships, amplity voices, and share resources, we remain dedicated to improving their lives. Thank you for the support s who believe in the importance of empowering Indigenous communities and continuing the legacy of the Lakota people.
Stay connected with us as we continue to share updates and stories of the remarkable work happening within the Lakota Circle community. Together, we can help the Lakota spirit remain strong for generations to come.
Here’s the link to the interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9h6z107v38&t=4101s
Tom starts at 1:00:49 mark.
Another step forward was taken in the commitment to food sovereignty and community wellness. Two vertical grow racks were purchased for Oyate Teca Project, a key investment that will exponentially increase the organization’s capacity to grow fresh produce year-round.
These innovative systems maximize limited space and use efficient indoor growing technology-an ideal solution for communities facing challenges related to land, weather, or access to fresh food.
With these vertical grow racks in place, Oyate Teca can now grow more nutritious food for local families, strengthen food security, and offer hands-on educational opportunities for youth and community members.
This is another tool for empowerment, sustainability and long-term health. With your donations to support the vital work of Oyate Teca we look forward to the continued growth of this partnership-literally and figuratively.
Supporting Cultural Renewal with Funding for Supplies to Build an Outdoor Ceremonial Kitchen
Additional funding to support the construction of an outdoor ceremonial kitchen, which will be used during Sundance ceremonies and other sacred gatherings has been provided.
This kitchen will serve as more than just a place to prepare meals—it will be a sacred space, rooted in tradition, where food is prepared with prayer and intention. It will allow them to continue cultural practices in a respectful and meaningful way, while also creating a place for community connection, learning, and ceremony.
The Sundance is a central part of many Lakota spiritual practices, and the ability to cook and serve traditional foods in an outdoor ceremonial space enhances the integrity and sacredness of the experience. With this new kitchen, they’ll have the ability to honor ancestral ways, nourish participants, and pass along cultural teachings to the next generation.
We are deeply grateful to our donors for their continued support and help in recognizing the importance of supporting Indigenous-led cultural work. This contribution helps preserve not only practices and ceremonies, but the values and spirit of the people.
Wóphila tháŋka – a heartfelt thank you.
Healing with Horses Camp Receives Donation of Three Tipis
Healing with Horses camp, is a program where cultural wisdom meets therapeutic care. Three tipis were purchased to help enrich this experience, creating a sacred and traditional space for youth to gather, reflect and reconnect with their heritage.
The camps began humbly with just four children. Today, they welcome up to 75 kids at a time, hosting these healing gatherings several times a year. These aren’t just camps—they are lifelines. This is a dream to connect their future generations with their horse relatives.
With your donations, your support will continue to help them with their limited financial resources. True healing often comes not just through therapy or words, but through the land, the animals, the traditions, and most importantly—community. Every voice helps, and every dollar can make a difference.
Winter 2023-2024 Warmth Delivered: Bringing Propane to Families in Kyle, SD
This winter, propane deliveries provided a needed necessity on the Pine Ridge Reservation by delivering something many of us take for granted—warmth. 44 propane deliveries were made to some of the poorest families in Kyle, South Dakota, ensuring they had the fuel needed to stay warm and safe.
Pine Ridge Reservation is one of the most underserved areas in the United States, with many families living below the poverty line. Access to propane heating during the cold months can mean the difference between security and suffering. For elders, children, and those with health issues, it can literally be a matter of life or death.
No one should have to choose between heating their home and feeding their family. This effort is about dignity, survival, and standing in solidarity with the people on Pine Ridge. The impact of these 44 deliveries went far beyond the number. Each tank of propane brought relief, comfort, and a message to the families of Kyle: you are not forgotten.
Continuing to build bridges between Native and non-Native communities, the focus on grassroots efforts will make a direct difference. With future initiatives, support, donations, and partnerships from those who want to be part of this vital work are welcome.
Funds Donated to The Bear Project in the town of Pine Ridge
Funds were donated to The Bear Project, a grassroots initiative based in the town of Pine Ridge, that’s dedicated to helping local youth who are struggling with thoughts of suicide.
The funds have been used to provide nourishing snacks for the youth and firewood for families in need—many of whom rely solely on wood stoves to heat their homes during the colder months.
The Bear Project is more than just a program—it’s a safe space where young people can connect, express themselves, and begin to heal. In a region facing high rates of youth suicide and economic hardship, this kind of community-driven support is vital.
Programs like The Bear Project aligns with this mission to foster wellness, resilience, and cultural strength in Native communities. To learn more or to support The Bear Project go to http://bearproject.net
Supporting Families with Warmth: Propane Deliveries Update
Thanks to a recent $2,000 contribution to Lakota Plains Propane, propane deliveries were made for 9 families in need—totaling $1,980 in direct support.
With current costs at $220 per 100-gallon delivery, each household received a crucial supply of propane to help meet their basic heating and cooking needs. While this funding met the immediate needs of these 9 families, the high cost of propane underscores the ongoing challenges many in the community face. We continue to seek support and partnerships to extend this help even further, especially as prices remain high and demand continues.
Every dollar makes a real difference. Many thanks to everyone who contributes to this effort—your generosity helps keep families warm. Wóphila tȟáŋka (many thanks) for standing with us.
Growing Hope Year-Round in Kyle, South Dakota: Greenhouse Conversion
In 2016, your donations funded and organized the construction of a 32′ x 95′ Zimmerman high tunnel greenhouse in Kyle, South Dakota. What began as a seasonal growing space is now evolving into a year-round hub for sustainable food production, community learning, and food sovereignty on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
This once-seasonal structure is being converted into a fully operational, climate-resilient grow house. The transformation is already underway. Raised grow boxes have been installed to support a wide variety of crops, and two large overhead propane heaters are in place to help maintain a stable, productive environment throughout the frigid South Dakota winters.
To take this transformation even further, we’ll be contributing $1,000 to help with the replacement of the original plastic sheeting with 22 twin-walled 6mm polycarbonate panels. These durable panels offer superior insulation and longevity, making them a key component in the year-round functionality of the space. In addition, a new gravel floor will provide better drainage, temperature regulation, and overall comfort for those working in the greenhouse.
With this initiative the growing season will be extended and food production capacity increased The greenhouse offers long-term benefits for local families, schools, and food distribution networks. It also serves as a hands-on learning environment where community members of all ages can gain valuable skills in agriculture, sustainability, and self-reliance.
The journey from a high tunnel to a true four-season grow house is a testament to what grassroots collaboration and community commitment can achieve. With your help we’ll support this project and remain dedicated to nurturing both the land and the people who care for it.
Supporting the Elders: A Small Donation with a Big Impact
Supporting the Lakota community means being there in times of transition and need. Recently, we were able to assist an elderly Lakota woman who faced an unexpected move due to a difficult family situation. She was able to secure new housing—but lacked one essential item: a refrigerator.
Thanks to the generosity of donors needed funds were provided to purchase a new refrigerator for her home. While it may seem like a small gesture, having a reliable way to store food brings both comfort and stability.
Moments like this remind us that real impact often starts with meeting basic needs. We remain committed to uplifting the Lakota community—one meaningful step at a time.
If you’d like to support work like this, please consider donating or sharing our mission with others.
New Beginnings: Oyate Teca Settle into Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center
For several years, Lakota Circle has proudly partnered with Oyate Teca, a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Kyle, South Dakota, at the heart of the Pine Ridge Reservation supporting them as they continue to uplift Native youth and families through cultural programming, educational initiatives, and community-driven events.
Now, an exciting new chapter is unfolding.
With a majority of funding provided by Running Strong for American Indian Youth® Oyate Teca has moved into a beautiful new space — the Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center, or “Friends of All Nations.” Just a few yards from their former building, this new center offers expanded opportunities for connection, learning, and cultural celebration.
The relocation marks more than just a change in address. It’s a powerful symbol of growth, resilience, and renewed commitment to serving the Oyate (the people). The new center is designed to foster deeper community engagement, host larger gatherings, and better accommodate programs that support Lakota lifeways and values. We couldn’t be happier for this new beginning and are looking forward to the continuing work with Oyate Teca.
For more information on the Oyate Ta Kola Ku Community Center, click here http://indianyouth.org/oyate-ta-kola-ku-community-center/.
This winter, your donations were able to support families in need by delivering warmth where it was most needed. Over the past few months, the organization provided 14 propane deliveries to the poorest families in Kyle, South Dakota, located on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
For many on the reservation, access to basic heating during the harsh South Dakota winters is not guaranteed. With limited resources and extreme cold, families often face difficult choices—between heat, food, and other necessities. Propane deliveries helped ease that burden, bringing comfort and safety to homes that might have otherwise gone without.
This effort is part of the ongoing mission to uplift Native communities through direct support and culturally grounded assistance. By focusing on basic needs like heating, the organization continues to create real, tangible change.
Wopila tanka (many thanks) to all who support this work. Together, we keep the circle strong.
2021
Growing Interest Leads to Additional Support
As part of the ongoing partnership with Oyate Teca Project, an additional 60 copies of The Mittleider Gardening Course were delivered to be used in their horticulture classes.
Oyate Teca’s horticulture program empowers Native youth and families with hands-on gardening skills rooted in self-reliance and cultural preservation. These books will serve as a valuable resource for students as they learn best practices in soil preparation, plant nutrition, and efficient growing methods tailored to the unique conditions of their communities.
Warmth Through Generosity: Supporting 10 Families with Propane Deliveries
Thanks to your generosity, another $2,000 was sent to Lakota Plains Propane. This contribution will go directly toward providing propane deliveries to 10 families in the community, ensuring they have the warmth and comfort they need.
Access to basic utilities like heat is something many of us take for granted, but for some families, especially during times of economic hardship, it can be a source of daily stress. That’s why every dollar counts — and why your support truly matters.
Thank you for being a part of this circle of care and compassion. Together, keeping homes warm and hearts full.
Funds Donated to Support Little Wound School Basketball Team
The Little Wound School basketball team is preparing for the upcoming Lakota Nation Invitational this December. As part of a broader effort to support their journey, fundraising is underway to provide the team with warm-up uniforms—gear that helps build team spirit and pride as they represent their school and community.
The Lakota Nation Invitational is more than just a tournament—it’s a meaningful event that brings together youth from Native communities to celebrate culture, sportsmanship, and achievement. Having proper uniforms not only prepares the players for competition but also strengthens their sense of unity and purpose.
Warm-up gear may seem like a small detail, but for these student-athletes, it symbolizes dedication, teamwork, and the opportunity to stand tall on a respected platform.
Thanks to your generous support, we’ve been able to provide crucial warmth and comfort to families in need this season has been provided. A contribution of $500 was used specifically toward the purchase of firewood, ensuring that four families had the heat they needed during these colder months.
But that’s not all. Through the partnership with Lakota Plains Propane, propane assistance was extended to an additional three families, helping them stay safe and warm when it mattered most.
These acts of care and community wouldn’t be possible without you. Every dollar given makes a real difference in the lives of those on the reservation.
Wopila Tanka (a big thank you) for walking in service and solidarity.
An additional $2,000 was sent to Lakota Plains Propane to help keep homes warm in the Kyle, South Dakota area. This contribution will assist approximately a dozen families, ensuring they have the heat they need as the colder months continue.
This act of community care reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting Native families and meeting essential needs with dignity and compassion. Every dollar goes directly to helping those on the reservation — and every contribution makes a real difference.
Wopila tanka (many thanks) to all who support this work. Together, the fire burning.
Oyate Teca Launches Horticulture Classes in New Greenhouse
Exciting things are growing at Oyate Teca! The organization recently launched a new series of horticulture classes inside its freshly completed greenhouse, opening up hands-on learning opportunities for community members of all ages.
Your donations contributed to the program’s success with the purchase of gardening tools and supplies, including racks, hoes, gloves, and other essential materials. This contribution helps ensure that each participant has access to the equipment they need to dig in—literally—and learn the art and science of growing plants.
A lack of funding put much-needed classroom improvements at Little Wound Middle School in question. This summer, the school took the lead in improving their classrooms, using painting supplies made available from your donations. The students were given the opportunity to help refresh and personalize their learning environment.
What started as a simple maintenance project quickly became something more meaningful. Middle school students attending summer school joined in, gaining a creative outlet, a sense of ownership, and the chance to leave a lasting mark on their school.
Oyate Teca’s Horticulture Education Grows with a Donation to Purchase 60 Books
A recent donation will help support Oyate Teca Project’s horticulture classes. This contribution was used to purchase 60 copies of The Mittleider Gardening Course, a highly regarded resource for beginning and experienced gardeners alike.
These books will serve as a valuable tool for students participating in Oyate Teca’s growing horticulture program, which emphasizes self-sufficiency, sustainable practices, and the revitalization of traditional Lakota foodways. The manual provides step-by-step guidance on growing methods that align with our mission to foster healthy, resilient communities.
We are deeply grateful to the donors continued partnership and commitment to empowering Native youth and families through education and practical skills.
Supporting 2018 Chief Bigfoot Memorial Ride
Each December, from the 15th to the 29th, a group of dedicated riders embarks on a powerful 300-mile horseback journey across the Plains—retracing the path Chief Bigfoot and his people took to Wounded Knee in 1890. This solemn trail ride commemorates the lives lost in the Wounded Knee Massacre and honors the resilience and spirit of the Lakota people.
The Chief Bigfoot Memorial Ride (also known as Oomaka Tokatakiy or Future Generations Ride) is more than just a physical journey; it is deeply spiritual and educational. For many of the riders, it is a time of reflection, healing, and reconnection with culture and history. For the younger generation—some as young as 8 years old—it’s a chance to walk (or ride) in the footsteps of their ancestors, and to gain a deeper understanding of their heritage and the struggles their people have faced.
Temperatures on the open Plains during December can drop as low as -20°F, with riders covering up to 35 miles a day. The ride demands not only physical endurance but strength of spirit. This year, thanks to the generous contributions of the donors, support was provided to these brave youth and their families with essential winter gear. Warm coats, insulated gloves, thermal layers, and protective outerwear are helping ensure the riders stay safe and warm as they make this meaningful trek.
We are honored to play a small part in supporting the Chief Bigfoot Memorial Ride and helping preserve this important tradition for future generations.
Wopila Tanka (Many Thanks) to all who made this possible.
We are actively fundraising to purchase a greenhouse kit for a youth focused community center, organization on Pine Ridge. We are also looking at a heating source for the greenhouse that will allow year round growing conditions that can supply vital healthy food choices to the community is also being resourced.
Most important is securing the funding to buy and construct the kit. We have builders already on board to provide the manual labor and installation. They have agreed to donate their time and tools for the project which is a remarkable gift and they are completing the construction by this fall. The initial goal is $15,000 to purchase the kit and lumber for side walls. Shipping costs will range between $500 to $1,900 due to the weight and size of the delivery. The difference in shipping costs will depend upon availability of semi-trucks that will carry additional deliveries or only ours to Pine Ridge. Any and all additional funds will go towards other start up materials such as circulating fans, growing racks and heating systems.
The community is very excited to see this project come to fruition. The benefits are numerous starting with healthy food year round. The prospect of cultivating medicinal plants is also a benefit to help provide natural healing remedies for the community.
Diabetes is all too common on the reservation and it starts with diet. Unfortunately lack of healthy food choices combined with the poverty are every day obstacles for many families and especially the children. The organizations we are working with are tireless advocates for change and self-sufficiency.
Your donations will go a long way in providing hope and health to the Lakota people. Thank you for your heart felt donations and generosity.
On this particular day four young drummers from Kyle, a community on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, traveled to share their powerful Lakota songs and rhythms. As bearers of a rich musical tradition, their presence brought deep meaning to the gathering. Your donations, which helped make their journey possible, these youth offered a rare and moving gift through their music.
The drums echoed through the ashram grounds — not just as sound, but as medicine. Their presence was not only a cultural offering, but a bridge: between Native American traditions and Amma’s global community of devotees; between ancient ways and modern gatherings; between peoples separated by geography but united in spirit.
It was a day of healing, harmony, and hope — a reminder of what can happen when paths cross with purpose.