"...Teach a Man to Fish And You Feed Him for a Lifetime"
The vision of self-empowerment is at the core of one of our most vital programs on the reservation: workforce development.
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Okini Market & Thrift Store
Providing a community with a market to meet the needs of all on the reservation.
This program is dedicated to help alleviate the conditions of poverty for those who live on the reservation by creating job opportunities & helping those with transportation challenges to avoid traveling sometimes hours off the reservation to shop for necessities. In many cases, travel to a city is not an option for people. This provides a one of a kind opportunity to shop locally.
This centrally located market allows the people to choose their own style of clothing and personal items for themselves while keeping the money on the reservation, reinvesting in their community.
Generosity, or waćágtognaka, is one of the seven values of the Lakota people. There's a high value placed on sharing not just one's possessions but also one's time and emotions with family, friends, and the wider community. Giving to others without expecting anything in return can make you happier. This high value on generosity also leads us to another Lakota word, Okini.
Many items are needed, including clothes, towels, blankets, sewing supplies, heaters, fans and kitchen supplies.
The store does charge a nominal fee for most items, this money is used to cover operating costs, payroll, rent, utilities, insurance etc.
Please note: Donations of diapers, toilet paper, personal hygienic products are given away at no cost.
If any profit is made, the funds will be allocated to further our goals of creating more jobs on the reservation. The objective is to build these small businesses and make them sustainable, while filling voids of services on the reservation.
COMING SOON We are excited to be starting a new sponsorship program that allows you to make a monetary donation enabling people to shop at the market at no cost to them! You will be able to chose the recipient off the OKINI list (link) soon!
We are always accepting new or lightly used donations to offer to people in need on the reservation.
Want to send items directly to the people? Click here OKINI LIST to do just that!
If you would like to send a package of donation items there are 2 ways to ship
1) you can now purchase a pre-addressed shipping label from Give Back Box. Give Back Box is a non-profit that allows our incredible supporters and donors to purchase a pre-addressed shipping label for a flat fee. Packages
must be under 70lbs. To purchase a shipping label from Give Back Box, click here.
Please include a note inside the boxes so we know who sent these wonderful items!
2) Ship to Okini Market Thrift Store
2246 Indian Route 27
Porcupine, SD 57772
Our store Hours are:
Mon, Tue, Thu. Fri 12:30pm - 5:30 pm
Sat, Sun 10:30am - 5:30pm
How We Make A Difference
We invite you to learn more about how we make an impact while also maintaining the rich culture of the Oglala Lakota people of Pine Ridge Reservation
Click on image to open slideshow view
Lakota Family Sponsorships
Okini Sponsorship List
We strive to make life-changing impacts by providing necessary resources and support that will help those in need. Our team is passionate about helping families and making meaningful connections. Join us in our mission and make a difference in someone’s life today.
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