Since forming Seven Fires Foundation we have succeeded in creating several milestones. Perhaps the greatest of these is the network of generous and sympathetic individuals throughout the United States . People from Iowa , Illinois , Indiana , Ohio , Nevada , Washington, New York, New Jersey and Oregon have rallied to help. Without these wonderful people our projects would have not succeeded.
Our deepest thanks goes out to all those who have stepped forward and made a difference in the lives of the children and Elders.
Spirit Walk 2003
The goal of Spirit Walk 2003 is to create awareness and interest in preserving the Lakota tradition and culture through teaching the Lakota language. Like so many other indigenous cultures facing the reality of their loss of heritage and potential cultural extinction, the Lakota Nation is fighting to preserve their way of life.
Spirit Walk started on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Porcupine, South Dakota and traveled through Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia before landing in Washington D.C. in late September where the organizers met with government representatives and requested assistance for all programs that preserve Lakota and other indigenous cultures in the United States. The walkers averaged 20-30 miles per day, stopping in communities to share their message of hope through storytelling and music.
Spirit Walk 2003 was instumental in the raising awareness to the critical situation facing the Lakota. As a result several langauge programs have been developed and are working to preserve the language.
We will be posting select images and stories of Spirit Walk 2003 soon. Please stop by to see the story.
The Lakota ProjectLakota pi kte unspe' wi ch" kiye - Teaching the Lakota Way
The Lakota Project is significant in its direct grass roots approach with sustained individual contact with the children and their families. The Lakota Project is not simply a language revitalization program for the children, but an entire way of life. Teaching the Lakota Way is designed as a model program that can easily be adapted to any ethnic heritage desiring to revitalize their culture and improve the quality of life for their children and the generations to come. This model supports an American Indian cultural approach to nurturing and developing a positive mentoring leadership potential.
For more information on The Lakota Project visit their website.
Seven Fires Foundation was instrumental in the development of the Lakota Project. Staff and Board members assisted in the development of the curriculum, grant writing, and helped in securing their non-profit status.
Childrens Projects
The Seven Fires Foundation has worked with groups nationwide to provide school supplies and clothing drives. Over the past three years groups from Illinois , Indiana , Ohio , Oregon and Washington have donated over $10,000.00 in school supplies to help needy children.
Many of these same groups have presented countless toys, gift cards and cash that brightened up the holiday season for the children. Several groups have developed contacts on various reservations and have set up their own giving programs. Over the past three years giving has exceeded $16,000.00.
Elders Project
Seven Fires Foundation has helped provide blankets, heating fuel and food for Elders in the urban areas surrounding the Pine Ridge reservation. Over a three year period support has exeeded $56,000.00.
These
donations and fundraising efforts assisted the Elders by providing the following services:
Electricity, Gas and Wood for heating
Gas Cards/Transportation Assistance
Home Repairs and Maintenance
Blanket Drives and Distribution
Food Baskets
Holiday Meals
|
Accomplishments