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Lakota Empowerment Group workers clearing up an Elder's lawn with a skid steer and by hand.

Supporting the Lakota of Pine Ridge since 2005

Youth Programs

With high school dropout rates over 70% and teen suicide rates 150% higher than the national average, Lakota youth face immense daily challenges. ​

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We support the next generation through our youth center and summer camps, providing safe spaces rooted entirely in Lakota culture and identity.

Critical Support

In 15 years, life expectancy on Pine Ridge has gone from below 50 years to now 67 years. Although improved, it remains the lowest in the nation by some margin.

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We try to fight this through our 3 food pantries and firewood distribution programs.

Economic Empowerment

Being so isolated, economic opportunites on Pine Ridge are few and far between. Leading to an unemployment rate nearing 90%.

 

Our programs are run by Lakota, employ Lakota exclusively, and aim to bring economic growth and sovereignty to the Rez. 

Through three Pillars of Support

Urgent appeal: 

Kids from camp marrowbone making happy and funny faces at the camera

 We provide sustainable, culturally appropriate programs that promote self-sufficiency, economic development, and educational opportunities for the Lakota people.

All Our Programs

About the Pine Ridge Reservation

Lakota YouthStay

Exploring and expanding horizons

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Lakota Empowerment Group

A vocational program that provides trade apprenticeships while repairing homes on the Reservation.

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Allen Youth Center

A welcome place for all, a safe haven for Lakota Youth

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Food Pantries and Distribution

Ending hunger and diet-related disease

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Okini Market - Thrift Store

Temporarily closed!

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Charging Buffalo Meat Processing Facility

Bringing back Buffalo as a traditional food source for Lakota

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Firewood Assistance

Bring warmth to Lakota households

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Okini List and Family Sponsorships

Helping families meet their basic needs

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Horse Spirit Camp

A Healing Spirit For Children

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Camp Marrowbone

Teaching youth life skills through Lakota values

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Employment Program

Empowering our Youth through employment opportunities

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Map of Pine Ridge Reservation

Our Facilities on Pine Ridge

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A large group of native horse riders performing the Crazy Horse ride. They are holding POW-MIA, American and Lakota flags

The rich culture of the Lakota

About the Lakota

Recent developments

We Need Help Rebuilding after a Fire

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We spent years building up the Okini Market, and the diabetics pantry was so close to opening. Now, both are destroyed by fire.

Lakota Empowerment Group

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Helping workers gain skills in trades, while fixing houses for families in need.
The LEG is our newest, proudest program.

Laundromats on the Rez

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Pine Ridge residents often travel 100+ miles for laundry, so we're building three local laundromats. This project will provide essential services, create jobs, and use profits to fund youth programming.

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