Okay, first of all, we are planning on going! Providing, that is, that we get enough people to actually try to accomplish something (that’s been a bit tricky the last couple of years).
Anyway, here’s the basic scoop: We’re leaving Friday, June 9 (arriving on Pine Ridge on Saturday, June 10). We will be leaving Pine Ridge on Saturday, June 17 (arriving home on Sunday, June 18 – Father’s Day).
Money Stuff:
The cost of the trip is $350 (if you travel with our group). If you travel by yourself to and from the Rez, cost is $300.
What do you get for your money? Transportation, food, water, and camping while on the Rez are all covered
What is not covered by the cost? Personal needs/wants (like my own Diet Coke addiction). Rooms or cabins (if you need one of those, you will need to cover that cost yourself). If you have questions about this, just shoot me a message.
When does the money need to be in/how to pay: We need the money by May 31. That’s really the only way we have of knowing who’s really serious about going or not. There are a couple ways to pay: either by check (make it out to Nape Na Si Ministries, 4510 Inke Rd, Richmond, IN 47374) OR via Paypal, using the Paypal “Donate” button below. Do me a favor though, if you use the Paypal option, please let me know that you’ve done it that way.
Accommodation Stuff:
Where are we staying? We’re not sure just yet. Finding accommodations isn’t as easy as it used to be. I’ll update when possible.
What Will We Be Doing Stuff:
Like the accommodations, it’s a little hard to say right now. Essentially, it will boil down to the number of people who go, and what they’re interested in/capable of doing. Generally speaking, we try to do a Street Ministry/VBS, serve lunch, and try to do some construction/repair stuff – mostly fairly small stuff.
The important thing to know is that we don’t ask anyone to do anything they’re not comfortable with (well, we might ask, but you can always say no). That said, for most folks, this trip is pretty far outside their comfort zone, which we consider a good thing.
In addition, we try to do some fun, cultural stuff: We generally go to the Crazy Horse Monument (and Mt. Rushmore) in the Black Hills, Do some sightseeing/climbing in Badlands Nat’l Park, visit Wounded Knee Cemetary (that’s not a fun one, but it important), etc.
Anyway, since that’s sort of the basics, here are some
Frequently Asked Questions!
What if I want to camp, but don’t have all the gear? Let us know as soon as possible. Chances are we can help scrounge up the necessary gear.
What if I want to go, but don’t have the money? Let us know as soon as possible. Chances are we can help you scrounge up the cash.
What should I bring? Here’s a list we’ve been using for years:
Here’s a list of what you’ll need.
Jeans
Shorts
Underwear
T-Shirts
1 Jacket or Sweatshirt
Socks
Boots and or Sneakers
Flip Flops for showering
Hat & Rain Gear
Medicines – enough for a couple days extra, just in case.
List of Medicines
List of Allergies
Towel & Washcloth
Soap
Shampoo
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Flashlight
Sunblock
Bug Spray
Pillow and pillow case
Tent
Cot/Air Mattress
Sleeping Bag
Camp chair
It probably wouldn’t hurt to bring a bible, either.
For the drive out there you’ll need an overnight bag with a change of clothes all your meds and toothbrush and toothpaste.
Keep in mind that we’ll be on Mountain Time so it will be 2 hours earlier out there.
What not to bring:
Girls: tank tops, tight clothes, short shorts, etc.
Everyone: don’t bring anything that you’ll be upset if it gets broken, rained on, or stolen. Don’t bring anything that will distract you from the reason for our trip.
Questions?
I realize you may have other questions. Please let me know (you can just put ’em in the comments thing below) and I’ll get them answered for you as quickly as I can.
Suggested reading/research before we leave. Keep in mind that this is all just a start. There’s lots more out there:
Movies – Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
Thunderheart
Dances With Wolves
Incident at Oglalla (documentary)
Smoke Signals
Skins (dir. Chris Eyre)
A Good Day To Die (documentary)
TV: Reservation Dogs
Books: The Moon Of Popping Trees
The Lance and The Shield
Neither Wolf Nor Dog
Web: Just google “Pine Ridge Indian Reservation”
Also, here’s a few links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9Nx3RQkAB0 and