I met with Russell and his brother, Glen, Saturday. I had a good discussion with him on law enforcement on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He was returning from his stage play that he's been doing for the last couple of months. I brought his van up to him so he could drive back home to Pine Ridge Reservation. When Russell wants to talk he becomes very informative on subjects I never gave much thought about. Russell is very knowledgeable with the politics and law enforcement on Pine Ridge let me tell you.

We also talked about bringing items to the people in a great time of need. Russell made it a point to make sure that all clothing items donated should be new and not used. I can see the reasoning in this. A lot of people are already in a state of despair and do not need to be reminded by giving them used clothes. I made a promise to Russell that all clothing going to Pine Ridge would be new and that is what my new website is going after from local and national retailers. I'm asking them for their imperfect clothing that they do not want to sell. I should be getting responses from those companies within the month.

If anyone would like to help you can contact me here on the ROL or Darkwing1966@gmail.com. Donations are also needed to provide fuel for the semi trucks going from Colorado Springs, Colorado to Pine Ridge Reservation and back. Anyone can volunteer their time and it is appreciated. Whether you are around the world or on Pine Ridge, every little bit helps.

!

Well, I guess I don't understand the need for brand new clothes and then you are going to buy seconds. The ones the factories don't want to sell. Do you know what those are? They don't fit right. Crotch too tight, one leg longer than the other, etc. My children grew up in hand me downs and second hand store purchases. They were glad and thankful to get them. I don't mean out dated, torn, holeeee, and dirty, stained. I mean simply pre-owned. My kids and grandkids were happy to get them. Think about it. I can go to the thrift store and get 10 pair of jeans for $2 each or go to a store and get 1 new pair for $20. That is 10 children with jeans instead of 1 child with jeans. My daughter recently had a baby. While pregnant, she would come over and have the cutest outfit on. She would smile proudly and say $2 or $3 at the thrift store. No one knew but us. Looked like she had been to the store for a new one. I just don't understand.

MOLB,

If you've ever been to Pine Ridge, you can see what the living conditions are truly like there. I simply ask to have new clothes to give to the people there. They're already in a grave situation and giving them worn out stuff only perpetuates their dire situation. The big chain stores have items that are perfectly fine but the packaging is messed up. Those were the imperfections I was talking about. Sorry if you were thinking otherwise. I've been doing this for awhile now and I know what works and what doesn't work. When you take a semi load of products up there; you try to get what the people really need and not crap that other people do not want. I have taken things up to Pine Ridge that were from a thrift store and it worked out fine. I am not knocking it in any way. Until you truly get behind a cause and support it you really don't know what is involved with the logistics. I've asked numerous times for people to volunteer...........none here. The volunteers I get are from the Pine Ridge in the districts I've been to so far. Of course, I also have friends there who have helped me out with directions to people's houses. I do not want to turn this into a pissing match. I am looking for those who want to help; financially or volunteering. I have some fund-raising efforts under way and I should know soon how that is going to work out. I also have to work for a living or I'd do this full time. This does not pay me one dime. In fact, it costs me money to put up a website, care for the site, make phone calls, meeting with people (gas money for vehicle), and storing the items in a facility. Let's not forget the cost of driving a semi from Colorado Springs, Colorado to Pine Ridge Reservation ($700 round-trip). I would suggest people embrace this idea instead of trying to shoot it down. Every bit helps those who are less fortunate than others in society. I would help these folks out any day of the week. I've found people up there are not like the stereotyped white people haters that I've heard. They are appreciative. To see a kid get new clothing, shoes, and a school backpack is a joy for me. To see a single mother get food goods when her pantry is empty is simply a basic need that everyone should have.I tell you what, on my next visit, I'll do a videography of the trip. I'll show you how we pack the trailers, the trip up, giving items to people, rebuilding roofs, insulating houses, replaces windows, replacing doors, rewiring outlets, cutting fire wood, getting water, and anything else we can do to help. If that isn't proof enough that what I do is a service that is needed on Pine Ridge then I'll let you decide if I should continue my path down the road that is caring, giving, and out of love for my fellow human beings. I didn't intend to put this thread here to argue about clothes. It was here because when I asked Russell what he thought about what I was doing, he simply asked to make sure we got the people new clothing. I promised him that and I do that anyways. If I come across rash, my apologies, but this effort I hold dear to my heart and will not let anyone try to sabotage it. I hope you understand.

Ye mean that kind of life ?

http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/2 ... ment-31341


I been squatter for 3 years, living "skipping",gathering and re-newing all things we could find that other people decided are useless.
Many of them it very good condition, needing only two hands ready to work/ clean it.

Ye got all if ye only accept everything as gift and ye are ready to work.

If ye sitting and expecting everyone shall give ye all new things just beacuse ye are :..*put any reason ye want* and giving nothing from yerself -ye get nothing even if Armani and Gucci themselves would come to Pine Ridge with newest collection.

And doing it to others -teaching them they shall sit, wait for new things and gifts from others are worthless if they are not new - is worst thing -as YOU taking out their pride , making them mind slaves and opportunistic, materialistic beggars, taking out their FRee Will, will to work and create their life and helping each other.
Instead they sitting with Ghost Sickness crying and loathing how poor they are and they have nothing.

It's only good will, will to work, learn, help each and yer Mind, Heart and hands needed to live with dignity and belly full.

MY PERSONAL point of view, from my OWN experience.
Don't have to agree with me.

Out of topic -I love second hand clothes/charity shops best - ye can find truly amazing things there

unfortunately heyoka there is very little work to sustain the People in the areas you speak of if you read my posts in manifest destiny you will see that they placed the People in geographic locations that are unable to support agriculture on a scale that would feed a significant number of People. everything the united states government has done with respect to the Nations of Dakotah Oyate has been done with cruel and malicious intent because we will not bow our heads or hearts or our spirits to their way of thinking. in addition when they built the damn dams much of the rich agriculturally bottom land that was available was submerged beneath the missouri river so that the wasichu who were foolish to build their homes and farms on flood plains further downstream could prosper while the People endured more suffering and misery. i will not stand by and have another human being call my People lazy. because thats the way it came across when you said "will to work". that is the very justification for manifest destiny defined.

blackbird is right unless you have been there and seen it with your own eyes, and if you can truly see the reality of the way it is... you cannot begin to understand. its the type of poverty and misery that will haunt you in your dreams heyhoka. i daresay if there are a People in this world who live in fifth world poverty conditions it would be the First Nations People who live on the Plains, and for that matter most of the First Nations People across these united states.

Nobody is sitting and expecting. These people truly need help. They've been placed on a reservation with out jobs, none to be found because the government has mandated that no outside business can set up on a reservation, ie. factories, companies, on that scale. I don't care whether you like or dislike thrift clothes. Like I said I send those too but we try to get them new clothes. You seem to misunderstand what I'm trying to get across on this thread. Ghostwarrior knows exactly what I'm getting at. He knows the deplorable living conditions on the rez. You have to go there first hand to see it with your own eyes and then you will understand why we ask for this in donations.

It's like living a nightmare but only you live it every day. There is nothing and I mean nothing you can do by yourself because there is nothing to do it with. Yes, the land is beautiful but there is nothing on it. Then when you're so damn depressed because of the situation you self medicate because you can't afford to go to the hospital. So you start drinking, smoking weed..........the next thing you know, you're drinking and smoking all day to make it go away. I see this time and time again all over the rez. Hell, you can go to any rez in the United States and find the same damn thing. It's not just isolated to the Pine Ridge Reservation.

In the last two months they've had blizzard conditions, frozen and ruptured pipes, no propane, no fire wood. No fire wood because most don't even have a vehicle to get wood if they wanted to. It's a dire situation right now and people on the rez need all the help they can get. I'm just a medium to get it there. No profit on my behalf. Like I said I put more of my money into this project. I don't get one damn penny and rightfully so. I give it all to the people just so they can survive with a bit of dignity.

there is poor. Then there is Pine Ridge poor.

Then let's put our heads together and work something out, for the people. Heyokha has a point, giving without a support structure leads to dependancy. GW,BB, and RT are right it has to be seen, and lived, to understand. The way it is will be no good for the 7th generation, so what CAN be done. Let US figure it out.

How do we create a way for the people to live by their own means? What are the options? Any idea may have merit right? It may just add the missing piece to the puzzle. Those who know the conditions and the laws, what options are there? What loopholes in the laws? What can be done?

Needs have to be addressed as they exist in the immediacy with a short term response.
And while a favored tactic in finding a long term solution is to start, as they say, from the
bottom up, I suggest the opposite.
Ascertain how much federal assistance, grant and programs money is coming into
PR and where it is going. Examine the assets and living conditions/style of tribal leadership,
their cronies and those who would be leaders-if it is found that they live in a different strata
find out why and how and then remove them-all of them-and install a more dedicated
and open leadership. Open the books and if necessary hire an outside auditor.
Create a crisis management office and staff it with Elders who administer the funds and
have complete oversight of all monies coming to the rez-allow no interference, no lobbying
and no outside grandstanding.
Might not address every issue but I believe it would make an appreciable difference and
be a start. The rest is battling the government in the courts and while doing that attempt
to create some kind of infrastructure.
Understand that a completely new leadership is required-a new old leadership as in Elders-
proof of that is an objective look at conditions.
Poverty is poverty and breeds the same desperation whether it is here or in Ethiopia,
Somalia, Bangladesh, Haiti (millions have died in this countries of starvation) or countless other
places- the advantage we have, if there is one, is that this is a wealthy nation and at least in
that opportunities can be made or found.
There are people and assets in this country that can be utilized while in the others
I have listed there aren't. We live here, this is home and we need to be able to attend
our own first before others-hopefully one day we will be strong enough to help others
but we cannot now or allow the voice of our need to go unheard.
These needs are about one thing-they are not about recognition or competition, or proving
who cares or does more, who gets to strut in the limelight-children and old ones are hungry and
cold while all that goes on.
There is no room for chest beating and impassioned rhetoric, only time to do-and precious
little of that.

Ok, BB, I was not trying to sabotage anything. I am sorry if I made you feel that way. From the strong response I guess I did, and for that I apologize. I was simply asking a question, in hopes of helping more people with what dollars I have. Sorry, if it came off another way. There is not a lot I can do sitting here in a wheelchair. But I have worked for years in charity work with underprivileged and handicapped people. I love the work and it is dear to my heart. As I said in my post, I wasn’t talking about “crap that other people don’t want”. Sometimes, clothes are like new. A child simply outgrows it. Or sometimes the tags are still on it because of people that have more money than sense and just give it away, for whatever reason. I sewed clothes for children, coats, hats, gloves, etc for children that didn’t have any. Bought food for people who didn’t have any. Sang for fundraisers. Hosted car shows. I have worked a lot in charity and am fully aware of the cost, time, work, and joy. I was not in any way knocking what you are doing. Again, I say, I was only hoping to help more with the same money. I’m sorry if you thought otherwise. PS...I haven’t ever been to Pine Ridge, but have been to other places like it and have seen videos. I understand what you are saying.

GW I agree that when you see it, it does haunt you. Sometimes when you think of it, you can truly cry yourself to sleep.

I totally and completely acknowledge the abhor-able conditions on the rez’s around the country.

Pahchoka, I think you have great ideas. Sounds like a plan and now who can institute that plan?

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Used does not mean "Wore out" The constant demand from those wanting to help that clothes be new and unused is absurd. I buy clothes from the salvation army army and goodwill that are in good shape last several years before being "wore out" My kids wore A lot of hand me downs growing up. I can buy a damn good coat for $5-$15 at goodwill or the salvation army and it serves its purpose it keeps me warm on a cold day the same as the $70-$120 coat does. I wonder f a person who is freezing to death were given the choice of a good used coat or nothing would they choose nothing?

StormsRider, I agree. Well said. Thank you.

MOLWB ,you said-"Sounds like a plan and now who can institute that plan"

It has to be the people on each individual rez MOLB-they have to overcome the apathy that exists
and empower themselves. Unfortunately those who rise to the top are resistant to giving up
whatever power or authority they have and no doubt some actually think themselves to be
saviors as well.
Messianic self image, power and authority-deadly combinations to the welfare of any people,
and obstacles not easily overcome.
It would be nice if every child could have a new coat or new shoes-sadly that is not the reality
of it-to then attempt to restrict donations to new when many of us frequent thrift shops, is not
only a profound ignorance that could well reduce donations, but presents a non user friendly,
somewhat arrogant image.
You spoke of sewing MOLWB-how about in these donations bringing some sewing machines
and varieties of fabric to set up some small sewing room where women could gather and take turns
making the articles of clothing as needed?
It would create a sense of purpose and independence and in time might evolve into a cottage
industry. Let the women operate it and chose it's direction-keep the men removed entirely from
it and allow no one to steal the credit for or profit from their thunder.
Sewing machines can be picked up in thrift stores very reasonably and some women might have
a second older one they would donate-THEY WOULD NOT HAVE TO BE NEW TO MEET THE NEED,
and it is entirely possible a manufacturer or dealer would be willing to donate if the idea were
presented to them-good public relations gesture for them.


Been thinking a little more on this-I'm no expert on women or their shopping habits but I have
seen that deer caught in the headlights look when they shop, and I think there would be a great
potential in this to in short order evolve into a business of sorts.
Pregnancy clothes with indigenous motifs, baby outfits and children's clothes featuring the same.
There would be a huge off rez market for clothing like this and it could be done over the internet
to cut out the middle man-in time maybe expansion into established markets. It would have the
advantage of being a hope to die, authentic "Indian" creation crafted by the real deal.
It would serve to empower women, create revenue and above all restore dignity and pride.
I would stress again no men-except maybe to pack, and ship or assist in distribution-and above
all allow no one to claim any credit for their efforts, to attempt to present them self as the
benevolent guiding force or founder.

The only qualification I will add for the following statement is that I say it without malice
and I think it to be an obvious truth- I do not believe that any woman would be concerned
if an article of clothing or a coat that would keep their child warm was new or used, or
would give a damn, or reject it on the basis that Russell said new only. And it would serve you
blackbird to get over this Russell said thing as you have here and elsewhere as the definitive
qualifier or the final word.

Oh, Pahchoka. I am so excited. I love the idea of the sewing. The whole thing. It sounds wonderful. Although I don't live there, I would be happy to sew clothing, crochet blankets, etc. Help in any way I can. I have a lot of material and yarn that can be put to good use. I would love to help. There isn't a lot I can do, but this is something I can do.

I have an idea. Because we have come here to discuss and help. To be strong and empower our people with courage and strength to help themselves. Who does that remind you of? It reminds me of Annie Mae. I would offer a suggestion, with the approval of her family, that we could call this venture, something like "The Annie Mae Movement" or "Spirit of Annie Mae". I can just see her standing and watching the ladies sew and help her people and smile down on them. It brings tears to my eyes. As usual, Pahchoka, you are wise beyond your years and I am proud to be in this place with you.

Pahchoka, you should be there to unpack the gifts of used pantyhose, used briefs, ripped socks, unwashed and greasy shirts... and you'll understand why Russell asked for New clothing donations.

It's plain to see the intent was solely not to humiliate anyone receiving the assistance.

It's when discussions and words are hyper analyzed and articulated to pieces can anyone then, just insert their own meanings.

This sounds like a positive venture with potentially empowering results. I'm not really understanding why the issue of new vs old needs to be so deliberated. Maybe just a poor choice of words. Maybe if the initial comments had been worded such as "clean and in good condition", there would not now be so much of what appears to be just a distraction from the main objective. Maybe we all need to take a breath and remember what is really important, which I believe is 1) the real purpose of such a venture and 2) who would benefit from it, instead of getting aggitated with one another.