The ONE Spirit sponsorship program includes children, elders, and families. As a sponsor, you can give a Lakota child or elder protection from cold and hunger and get to know a Native American family.

You can learn about the Lakota culture and develop a mutual understanding of common needs and values.

60,000 Lakota Indians in South Dakota are at risk of disease due in part to a nutritionally deficient diet lacking in both quantity and quality of food. Families, elders, and children often have one meal a day - sometimes none. Diabetes, cancer, malnutrition, and heart disease are rampant. The average life expectancy is about 50 years. Infant mortality is 5 times higher than the US average.

$25.00 spent with project SHARE can provide a supply of food to supplement the diet of a family of four for a week.

"In these communities are many young people with visions, dreams, and hope for a better future. They like horseback riding, playing basketball, playing softball, and many things that young people like to do. In this community the love for the horse is rampant. This community is truly a medicine horse community with many of the young people practicing their culture. In this poor socio-economical community the chances of the young reaching their dreams is little or none. By twenty years old they have already given up their hopes and dreams, many times the young look and feel many years past their age. The waste of talent is extremely hard to watch, especially if you love your people the way I do.

These young students of life are very talented. Drawing, painting, quilling, beading, and sculpturing come naturally to these young students of the Pass Creek. I had an art contest at American Horse School and the talent we adults experienced was extraordinary. The natural talent is there with the help of mentors or people who care these youth may possibly seek a career or a life in the world of art. The true meaning of art is create beauty from nothing and this is truly that endeavor."

John D. DuBray
Pine Ridge Sioux/Lakota Reservation
Allen, South Dakota 57714

"Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children." Sitting Bull

Support Lakota ecomonic initiatives for self sufficiency including a Fair Market for jewelry, arts, and Women’s Sewing co-ops.

It is extremely difficult to be a strong family when there is no food, no heat in winter, or the home is without electricity. It is hard for a parent to see their children inadequately clothed and without the bedding needed to be warm. Your contribution to the Okini Program will help a Lakota family remain strong for their children.