"While living and working on the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota, my heart has been widened to understand and accept more than ever before.... I worked with a program for 2 to 6 year olds and an after-school program for kids age 6 to 12 years old. I planned and ran almost all of the activities. The children were so affectionate and kind to me even on my first day. I quickly developed special bonds with many of them."
- Michelle, Kenyon College
You will serve 30-40 hours per week on a Lakota/Dakota reservation. American Indians face many of the difficulties of other Americans, but have some especially acute issues on their reservations as they see their culture disappearing and experience a lack of support from U.S. leaders. Your volunteer service immerses you in the culture and deepens your understanding of the society in a way that goes beyond that experienced in classroom study of American Indian culture.
A few examples of service opportunities are:
Following are examples of agencies where IPSL students have served in the past or may be able to serve. Other service placements may be available. Your placement will be determined by community and agency needs, as well as your interests, goals, and skills.
The SuAnne Big Crow Boys and Girls Club now serves over 900 youth from ages 7- 17. However, there are approximately 20,000 Oglala Lakota youth throughout the 2nd largest reservation in the United States. Due to great distances and lack of public transportation, many of the youth on the Pine Ridge were not benefiting from the services the club offers. But now, due to a tribal initiative, the SuAnne Club has developed and opened satellite sites in Martin and Wanblee.
Population Served: Oglala Lakota
Areas of Service:
Arts
/
Children & Youth
/
Health education
/
Literacy
/
Mentoring
/
Recreation
/
Childcare
/
Community development
/
Counseling
/
Education
/
Teaching/tutoring
/
Nutrition
/
Fundraising
The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe is located in central South Dakota. The Kul Wicasa Oyate (tribal members) is approximately 2,500 members with some 1,600 members in the Lower Brule community. The Lower Brule Boy’s & Girl’s club serves as an after-school activity center for youth K-12 with a teen center serving teens 13-18. The teen center has formed a Youth Leadership Club which meets weekly and has designated one afternoon each week to perform community service work.
Population Served: Youth of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
Areas of Service:
Arts
/
Children & Youth
/
Recreation
/
Counseling
/
Education
/
Adminstration
/
Fundraising
/
Childcare
/
Community development
/
Construction
/
Food services/distribution
/
Health education
/
Literacy
/
Mentoring
/
Teaching/tutoring
This agency serves to preserve the culture of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is home to 10,859 Lakota/Dakota. Bands include: Hunkpapa, Blackfeet, Yanktonia, and Cuthead. The THPO office identifies and preserves archeological, historic, traditional cultural properties, sacred burial sites, and buildings.
Population Served: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Areas of Service:
Archaeology
/
Environment
/
Historic preservation
/
Conservation
/
Research
/
Elderly
/
Arts
/
Community development
/
Legal issues/aid
/
Education
Located in Little Eagle, SD, KLND (K, Lakota, Nakota, Dakota) is a tribal radio station that broadcasts local news, weather, and community events as well as employment opportunities. Other programming includes local sporting events, live tribal pow-wow broadcasts, health care issues, story telling and interviews of tribal elders, and various music genres.
Population Served: Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux Reservations
Areas of Service:
Community development
/
Education
/
Elderly
/
Fundraising
/
Tribal news & information
