The $20,000 Summer Challenge: Ambitious? YES! Impossible? NO, not with YOUR help!

A message from Lakota Children's Enrichment President Maggie Dunne: 

In April 2012, I was awarded the Grand Prize in Glamour Magazine’s Top Ten College Women Contest. What you probably did not know is that I contributed the Prize money in its entirety -- $20,000 – to Lakota Children’s Enrichment. When I told Sir Richard Branson (who visited Colgate University this spring) about our work, he agreed to match my contribution through Virgin Unite if a Colgate University alumnus (where I am a student) would also provide matching funds. Ultimately, they both agreed to match my personal contribution, bringing the total raised to $60,000. 

This is an incredible opportunity and we are grateful for the support. In order to take our operations to a new level, we are challenging the online community, our friends and fans to participate in Lakota Children's Enrichment's Summer Challenge: to match my own $20,000 contribution, by clicking on the blue text above (a Razoo fundraising page) and making a donation.


Listed on our fundraising page (link above) are the projects that are underway and in discussion. Some of my particular favorites arise out of our partnerships with Reservation schools. Among other things, will be working to support their needs through the implementation of pilot mentorship, music, arts, literacy and enrichment projects for the children. We also are in the process of launching a pilot program, linking a Reservation school and its students to a school in New York.

It is not hard for most of you to imagine a community where all children have snow coats, snow boots, sneakers for gym class, books on the shelves at school, and an educational curriculum enriched with sports, music, arts and literacy programs.  This kind of community is the norm across most of America -- but not on Pine Ridge.  


I believe so much in our ability to make a difference in the lives of children of Pine Ridge that I contributed my entire $20,000 award to this cause – will YOU make a small contribution? Every $10 or $20 contribution adds up. The more you give, the more we can do!


Peace,

Maggie Dunne
President and Founder, Lakota Children's Enrichment

PS) If you have the means and the inclination, please contact us at lakotakids@gmail.com to set up a matching grant challenge of $5000 or above. Matching grant incentives can make a huge difference in fundraising efforts!

Glamour Magazine Editor-In-Chief Cindi Leive presenting $20,000 check to Maggie Dunne
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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5th Annual Coat, Boot, Toy and Book Drive

Coming Soon -- Our 5th Annual Children's Coat, Boot, Toy and Book Drive

As part of USA Weekend's Make A Difference Day, through the months of September and October LPRCEP will be running its 5th Annual Drive to Benefit the children of Pine Ridge Reservation. 

We will ship though the month of October, 2012 -- our goal is for everything to arrive on the Reservation by Saturday October 27, 2012, USA Weekend's designated Make a Difference Day. 
Our local partners will distribute your items to the community on that day. 
 

Together we can make a HUGE difference in the lives of children!

Start collecting NOW new or barely used:

• Children's COATS 
• BOOTS 
• Non-battery operated TOYS 
• Children's BOOKS (especially books in series)

Shipping and distribution partners will be announced soon, but start organizing NOW!  What can you do to organize?

• Find partners and friends willing to help you;
• Arrange for convenient drop off locations in your community;
• Involve schools, religious organizations, community service groups -- set up teams to help you;
• Ask local store merchants and others to support your efforts by setting up bins to collect donations and by donating new books, coats, toys or boots
  

GET WORKING NOW!  

CARING + ACTION = HAPPY CHILDREN AND SCHOOLS


-- The LPRCEP Team

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“We Are All Under the Hoofs of Injustice” The Journey Towards Social Change for the Lakota

Some of our followers have asked for a report on the February 2012 presentations by Inila Wakan Janis (a/k/a Keith Janis) at Colgate University. Below are some of the highlights from his presentations.

Inila-Wakan Janis @ Colgate

On February 15, 2012, Inila Wakan Janis, a leader and member of the Kit Fox Warrior Society and Cheyenne River Lakota spoke at Colgate University about the history of the Lakota’s struggle for social justice and the movement for social change for American Indians. Janis resides on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, and is a Co-Founding member of Green Party USA.  His overarching message to students was to be socially conscious members of society, to take action to protect the environment and to address social change through collective actions that transcend cultural divides.

In the standing room only brown bag luncheon at the ALANA Cultural Center, Janis spoke of growing up in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the victim of systematic prejudice, discrimination and genocide. Janis described murders of Lakota people that were officially recorded “cause of death: exposure,” even when bodies were covered with abrasions and contusions. He spoke about assaults and shootings of native men, rapes of native women, forced removals of children from homes and the involuntary sterilization of native women by federally funded Indian Health Service Clinics, (which continued into recent decades) and which the United States government finally admitted to in the 1970s. 

Janis said that before the formation of the American Indian Movement and the 1970’s occupation of Wounded Knee in South Dakota, a period where the Lakota faced prejudice but also were divided about how best to advance their interests:

”Lakota people sought justice through the police and the Justice Department, complaining about the numerous racially-motivated beatings, murders and other crimes… only to be laughed at and treated like animals rather than humans….  We had no recourse, and so our people and other tribes occupied Wounded Knee for 71 days.  Our people were prepared to die for the cause of justice and civil rights in order to bring about meaningful social change. In the 1970s many people died, others went to prison, but they brought about change….  Our backs were literally up against the wall. There was no other choice or recourse than to come out swinging for our lives and survival. We had no choice! We could take no more, because our people were being killed, murdered, and maimed only because they were Lakota.”

Later in the afternoon, Janis spoke at Persson Hall auditorium about the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre and the events that led to the slaughter of hundreds of unarmed Lakota, including women and children. Janis pointed out that what historians previously called “the Battle of Wounded Knee” is no longer termed a battle, because it is now acknowledged that the encounter was a Massacre of unarmed American Indians, not a battle. Nonetheless, the Massacre resulted in the issuance of many Medals of Honor by the United States military.

The sign at the roadside at the Wounded Knee Memorial, commemorating the 1890 Massacre

In both presentations Janis stressed the importance of protecting the earth and its natural resources and the personal responsibility that each person has to protect the ecosystem for future generations. Janis explained how the Lakota people cherish the earth and its resources as Mother Earth, and oppose any action that damages the ecosystem. “Each of our footsteps should be a ceremony towards the healing of our Planet.”

Janis said although Native Americans are “in a position that Westerners have labeled ‘poverty,’ we are still here, we are watching, and are committed to protecting our land and our Earth.” He said: “You call this land the United States of America and you have carved faces of supposed ‘Founding Fathers’ into the stone of one of our sacred mountains, but this land is Indian Land—Always was and always will be.”

The Badlands

Janis urged students to be eco-conscious consumers and to be mindful of the actions of their employers, and to pressure their employers to refrain from investing in entities that harm the environment.  “You have to make a choice about whether you want to go through [college] and get an education in life, form connections and bring about change, or whether you are going to join the forces of Wall Street and other businesses that are wrecking the environment and destroying the planet for our future generations.” He told students, "never surrender, as long as you don't surrender, there is hope, and where there is hope, there is a way... YOU can bring about change."

Concluding his evening presentation Janis read from a prepared statement in which he encouraged students to form collaborative coalitions and to peacefully call for a future that protects the environment and respects all people. A portion of his final remarks are set forth here:

“On the journey towards achieving social and environmental justice a great deal of work must be done. First, one must be steadfast as we rise to the challenge. Second, we must be willing to double our organizing efforts as we gather the energy of others because this challenge is to preserve a severely imperiled future—where life itself is at stake.  And third, persistence and collaborative work will be the cornerstone of success. Remember, there is unity even in diversity, and all pairs of opposites add up to the soul of the whole.

I promise you, in the process rare moments will transpire that will etch the pages of history -- moments that you can all be proud of. The synthetic labors of bringing people together, meeting and getting to know each other will prove fruitful and nurturing towards building the larger community of humanity.

That’s the essence of operational unity—to smash the false illusions and break down the artificial barriers that have often come between us and create the movements of social change. In these days of uncertainty –this is indeed a humble and noble task.

That’s the challenge ahead of you—to reinvent community away from the highly fortified walls of the limited, small, divisive ego and its social form, the sovereign state.”

Entrance Gate to the Wounded Knee Memorial

Post Script: Janis presented a powerful message about the importance of organizational unity and collaboration amongst diverse groups in order to facilitate social change. As as stated previously by LPRCEP President Maggie Dunne: "We cannot stand in the shoes of the Oglala Lakota, the survivors of historic and continuing injustices, but we can stand beside them, provide them with assistance and help strengthen their voice." 

Caring+Action=Social Change.  Go forth and do your part: spread the word and bring about change!

-- The LPRCEP Team, with a big assist from Inila-Wakan Janis

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Art Knows No Boundaries

In February, 2012 we received an email from Tammy Brown a/k/a “Mallory Knox” notifying us that a group of artists, collectively known as Art Knows No Boundaries, had voted online to auction their work for Lakota Pine Ridge Children's Enrichment Project (LPRCEP). 

The Concept? The artists set a minimum bid for each item auctioned, and every dollar raised over the minimum bid price would go to LPRCEP. In order to participate, each artist was required to contribute at least one item as a 100% donation item (all proceeds from that one item would go to LPRCEP). Thereby hangs a tale of how a group of artists raised over $2,700 for LPRCEP in a two week period.

Sounds simple? In concept, yes. In execution, however, Mallory Knox, the coordinator of this project, found herself with over 40 artists adding items to the auction while it was underway and as the word spread.  Mallory collected payments, confirmed shipments, confirmed receipt of artwork and saw that everything ran smoothly as artists and bidders from all over the USA and Canada participated in the auction.

Why did she do this? Mallory wanted to make a difference. What can we say other than thank you -- for SO many reasons. Mallory's example is inspirational, altruistic and a wonderful business model for the world.  

Mallory Knox

As Mallory explains, it happened by accident, but what she created -- Art Knows No Boundaries -- is a social enterprise in its purest form and, hopefully, the way of the future for many businesses.  Through this effort artists moved their inventory, showcased their talent, reached a different audience and -- at the same time -- agreed to share profits and/or donated all profits in order to help enrich the lives of children on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

We thank all of the artists who participated in this effort and we especially shout out a STANDING OVATION for Mallory Knox, who led the effort with good humor, patience and purpose. BRAVA to Mallory!

Featured below are samplings of some of the works auctioned by the artists who participated in the auction. If you want a better look at any item, then just click on the photo and you will be able to view a larger version of the picture.

The stories of these artists and their generosity remind us that there are good people everywhere -- some you already know and some you might not know...yet! We are honored that this collection of really good people found us!

Mallory Knox a/k/a/ Tammy Brown: 

An Accidental Visionary

Mallory is from Fort Frances Ontario but currently resides in Tillsonburg, She has been beading for about 4 years now and she sells her crafts at Create Beautiful Beads. 

In 2011, when Mallory learned of the crisis faced by the Attawapiskat First Nation in Canada, she felt the need to do something, but could not afford to send money. She possessed a large beaded piece that she had made, but she says, "it did not have a home."  Although Mallory had made the piece on a whim, she remembered a friend once told her that "you never make beadwork for no reason, sometimes it takes a while to find out the reason, but eventually you will figure it out."

Mallory's beadwork

Wanting to do something constructive to help, Mallory decided to auction the beaded piece to raise enough money to purchase around 5 jackets to send to the Attawapiskat First Nation, but "the auction just took off!" Mallory's large network of artist friends all felt the same way as she did -- they wanted to help but were not financially able to do so -- so they did what they know how to do -- they made art!
The community of caring artists became known as Art Knows No Boundaries, a collection of native and non-native artists united to address the needs of others. After the successful completion of Mallory's first online auction, the artists pretty much insisted that she run another, they discussed it online and they voted to support LPRCEP.

Nathalie Bertin: Visual Artist Extraordinare

Nathalie Bertin: Chasse Nocturne

According to her website, "Nathalie Bertin originally hails from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. After working as a graphic designer for several years, Bertin began showing her art publicly in 2009. Bertin’s work is often described as luminescent, energetic, bold and colourful. She is also fond of strong shapes and textures. She recently began incorporating elements of her French and Algonquin heritage into her work, including beadwork, furs and other fiber objects, in an exploration of concepts based the Canadian fur trade and her role within it as a modern sustenance hunter. 

In June 2010, Bertin was selected as an artist ambassador for the G20 Summit in Toronto, a volunteer position that garnered global media attention for Canadian artists from Muskoka. Her work can be found in collections of the Government of Manitoba, Government of Alberta, Métis Nation of Ontario, corporate organizations and private collectors across Canada, the US, Europe and Africa. She currently works from her home studio in Newmarket, ON and home-away-from-home in Muskoka, ON." She maintains the Nathalie Bertin Website, which we urge you to explore!

She says of her participation in this auction: "We are often inundated with requests from the popular charities and don’t often get to know the smaller ones, like LPRCEP, who also make a positive difference in the lives of the people they touch. Without Mallory’s hard work, we wouldn’t have known about your important group. And without your hard work, the children of Pine Ridge would certainly be at a significant loss. You all deserve respect and recognition for all that you do." 

Brava to you, Nathalie, your work is AMAZING and we are honored that you chose to participate in this auction!

Jennifer Wilson: Kokopelli

Jennifer Wilson: 

College Student

Jennifer is a 21 year old college student and single mother, who is studying History and Native American Studies. Jennifer is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians who grew up in Washington D.C., but moved to the Qualla Boundary after the death of her grandfather.  Jennifer says: "I hope to use my education to form inter-tribal bonds, as well as educating people on the truth of who Native Americans were, and what really happened to us." We hear you Jennifer and we support your goals; we are honored that you chose to support ours! Go Girl!

Dave Johnson: Chalkmaster Dave!

Chief Bull Bear: 100% Donation!

Dave Johnson: Sitting Bull

 Dave is a Toronto born artist who is known for his specialty in doing chalk art, hence the screen name "Chalkmaster Dave." Dave's unique art form has earned him awards and has taken him near and far for festivals and special events. Dave also does murals and paintings on canvas, walls and ceilings. (Hmmmm... we were thinking of painting the ceiling to our living room!)

Dave Johnson: Wolf

Dave does work for private clients, small shops and multi-national corporations, including: Pedigree; Disney; Coca Cola; Pepsi (did they know that you did work for Coke?); Trend Custom Tailors; Halifax International Busker Festival; Just for Laughs Festival; Singapore Street Festival; Norway's PITT Festival; St. John's Busker Festival; the City of Toronto; and clients of the New Jersey Devils. Dave donated the first picture featured as a 100% donation. The other pictures were not part of the auction, but Dave sent us the pictures, we love them and we hope you enjoy the browse. Dave also does work for private clients and does portraits. He can be reached through his Facebook Page, where he says that he is pretty amazing and that you should hire him. WE AGREE!

Sonny Spade: Painted for a Cause

Sonny is from Deer Lake Ontario and started painting only 2 years ago but wants to start painting full time. Sonny says he donated his painting because he felt it was going to a good cause. Thank you Sonny, your picture is beautiful and the lucky purchaser will have the benefit of your work and the children of Pine Ridge will, too! The word "tranquility" comes to mind when viewing your painting. You can contact Sonny through his Facebook Page

Melissa Zelenak: 
Clay Artist, Youth Instructor & Educator

Melissa Zelenak: Spirit Lady

Melissa is from Northern Michigan, a member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.  She is a Psychology major at Central Michigan University and received her Early Childhood Education AAS from North Central Michigan College.  Melissa also runs a business called, www.ClayForKidsL3C.com, which teaches children the process of construction, firing and decorating clay. Melissa has seen the confidence that working with clay gives children, has observed cognitive skills develop and improve -- and, of course, this work has led to a lot of smiles!

Melissa's primary goal as an artist is to create artwork that is spirited and even primitive at times.  She prefers working with porcelain and is particularly interested in alternative firing methods like raku and pit firing.  Also a photographer, Melissa's work has been featured in Indian Country Today, national, state, tribal and hometown local publications.

Melissa, you are amazing!

Marie EshkibokTrudeau (Misko-Kii-Shigo-Kwe): Passing Along the Jingle Dress Dance Tradition

Jingle Package Auctioned for LPRCEP

Marie EshkibokTrudeau, Odawa, is a band member from the Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation, Wikwemikong, Ontario, Canada.  She is a mother, grandmother and one of the Founding Members of the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization.  Dancing as a Jingle Dress Dancer at many traditional pow wows across Canada and the United States as well as a Grandmother of the Jingle Dress Lodge in Wikwemikong, has allowed her to teach the teachings of the Jingle Dress.  Marie is also a designer of Jingle Dresses and Jingle Cones.

Marie received her Bachelor of Education Degree from Nipissing University and continues to teach cultural education through the ceremonial lodges in Wikwemikong.  Along with her husband, Wilfred, she has 2 beautiful daughters and a grandson. Marie is also a carrier of a WWII Veterans Eagle Staff, which was passed down to her by her father, the late Robert E. Eshkibok.  She is also an 12 year member of Branch 177, Little Current Veterans Ladies Auxiliary.

Marie is also an accomplished contributor to various publications:

• Voice of the Drum, “Circular Vision Through Native Eyes,” Kingfisher Publications, 2000,  Brandon, Manitoba 
• Sacred Gift, “Residential Schools The Stolen Years," University of Extension Press University of Saskatchewan, 1993 
• Wikwemikong Heritage Organization:7 Stages of Life – Nursery School to High School" (2006); and "Creation Story– Young Parents Curriculum" (2012)

Kathryn Tracy: Beadworker and Educator

Kathryn Tracy: Signature Beaded Turtle

Kathryn Tracy, a New England Native of Abenaki decent has been doing beadwork since her high school days. She attended the Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, and then the University of South Dakota in Vermillion South Dakota, where in 2008 she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Kathryn is a freelance artist, mother of two and is in the process of obtaining certification to teach K-12 Art in the State of South Dakota. Both of Kathryn's children are enrolled members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and inspire her love for art. She is a long time supporter of the Oscar Howe Summer Art Institute, both as a student and an assistant.

Kathryn also runs an online art site through Facebook called "Starboy Art" named after her son Wicahpi Hoksila (Starboy). One of her signature art pieces is a beaded turtle stuffed with sage and soft buffalo fur. Kathryn reports that some of her customers use the turtles for traditional use, storing a baby's umbilical cord stump inside. Beautiful!

Rebecca G. Howie: Rediscovering the Red Road

Rebecca G. Howie: Beaded Needle Case

Rebecca is of Shawnee-Lenape heritage and maintains an Etsy Shop. She says of her journey and work: "So much has been lost, I am rediscovering the red road and the path back to my people of the Appalachian Mountains and Ohio Valley. Each piece is beaded from the heart and an experience of discovery for me. I hope that each work will bring happiness to another person, also." 

Rebecca, your work is beautiful and your heart shows!

Kathleen McIntyre: Beading and Rediscovering her Heritage - Inspirational

Kathleen's story is set forth in the annexed clip from the April 2012 edition of Canadian Living Magazine. Kathleen was removed from her family at the Chippewas of the Thames reserve in southern Ontario at the age of 4 and, ultimately, found herself drawn back to her heritage and traditions. Kathleen's work reflects her passion and was recently showcased at Fashion Week in Toronto. The necklace she is wearing in the picture in the magazine was one of the items she auctioned for LPRCEP. Kathleen is proud to see young people wearing her work and says "If they're inspired, they'll keep those traditions." Kathleen, you inspire us!

Wendy Clem: Beads and Mirrors Lead the Way

Wendy Clem: Dance Set

Wendy Clem is part Cherokee and part Irish and English. She makes intricate beadwork, which she often combines with mirrors - and which she displays on Facebook as PowWow Boutique. Wendy works on these pieces with her husband, who engraves the backs of mirrors, and then repaints them so that the designs will "pop."  Wendy hopes that her use of mirrors and beads, with the modern twist of engraving, will encourage more people to return to the tradition of wearing mirrors. Featured is a dance set that Wendy auctioned for LPRCEP. Simply beautiful.

Diane Munton: Rising Dove

Diane Munton: Turtle Shell and Feather Rattle

Diane says she takes artistic inspiration and influences "from what I know, what resonates within me and finally, with what I love. Many of my pieces reflect the beauty and simplicity of the Native American culture as well as the Australian Aboriginal, and the Siberian cultures. I create these pieces of art for those who are not able to make them for themselves. To have my artwork find a new home is one of my greatest joys." If you would like to see more of Diane's work or learn more about her, please visit  RisingDoveOriginals.etsy.com. Diane says that "all who come in a good way are always welcome." Diane, your work will always be a welcome addition to any collection!

 Jessica Howe: The Beading Diva

Necklace, bracelet and earrings

Jessica grew up in Northfield, Massachusetts, and now lives in Florida. Jessica's husband made the Navy his career and over the years they traveled to Puerto Rico, Ethiopia and other parts of the world. Jessica has 5 children, 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren -- and two more due in Summer 2012.
Jessica's husband has native ancestry and Jessica and her youngest daughter were "adopted" by a Lakota woman who brought them into the circle and taught them to dance properly. Jessica dances women's Southern Cloth style and her regalia is a Cherokee tear dress. Jessica and her daughter belong to a drum in Florida, (The Red Bird Jr.s), and they also belong to a group of dancers, (The Eagle Pipe Dancers).
Jessica does not ordinarily sell her jewelry -- instead, she makes it for herself, her family and friends. She does, however, often donate some of her beautiful creations to charities. Jessica has been beading for about 5 years and also teaches some beading classes. She describes herself as a "beading nut" who is "hooked" on "the beading bug." She meets weekly with a close circle of 9 ladies (who are similarly hooked on beading) and they call themselves "The Bead Divas." Brava to our friendly star, Jessica the Beading Diva!

Mary Whisenhunt: 5 Items Donated!

Mary is a retired professional with a wonderful husband, three lovely children and a beautiful granddaughter who she spoils rotten! Mary has a deep love for all things Cowboy and Native American, as she comes from both worlds: her father was a champion rodeo Cowboy in the 1940's; her maternal grandfather was Native American who was adopted by a family in Texas as a small child. Mary's Grandfather lived with her family until his death and she remembers he always carried a medicine pouch, prayed, danced and sang in his native language.
Mary is a multifaced artist and, among other things, she loves to sew. She maintains an online Etsy store, Petite Boutique Of Paris.  Among other talents, Mary is a seamstress and makes reproduction antique doll clothing which has been sold all over the world. Mary also does beading, makes jewelry, and other Native American inspired items. The photo below is a talking stick which she made from a very old grapevine.

Mary Whisenhunt: Grandfather Spirit Stick

Anthony Matzke: Disabled Vet Makes Native Inspired Art

Anthony is a 48 year old disabled vet from Minnesota and a self-taught artist of Native American-style artwork and beadwork. Anthony maintains a website, Turtle Island Mandellas and Beadwork (www.turtleislandmandellas.info) where you can see more of his work.

Tony Matzke: Red Jasper Snowflake Obsidian Choker

Debbie Lazaris: BeadLady61

Debbie is 51 yrs old and part Lakota, although her family is not enrolled. Debbie is a self taught beader and has been beading for over 17 years!  She says it was a pleasure to participate in the auction and hopes that her work can make a difference for the children of Pine Ridge. Debbie sells her bead work at several places on the web:

www.thebeadcoop.com

designer:Debbie Lazaris of Deb's visions

http://beadlady61.etsy.com

Online store website:

http://www.debsvisions.webs.com

Artfire store

http://www.artfire.com/users/beadlady61

Rae Anne M. Simmons: Mixes it Up!

Rae Anne makes custom, unique handmade beadwork, clothing, jewelry and other accessories. Her artwork and accessories were a hit in the auction and brighten any location! Rae Anne maintains a www.facebook.com/RaeAnneMSimmons and can be contacted by email for further information @ nashobasimmons@msn.com. 

                 

Beth Barnes: Mitakuye Oyasin

Beth is 36 years old and has lived in Wynne, Arkansas her whole life.  She has been married to her "wonderful, supportive husband" for nearly 10 years, and has three stepchildren and three grandchildren. Beth loves history, reading, and travel and has a passion for animals; in fact, she has four precious dogs, all of which were rescues!  

When Beth is not walking her dogs :) she explores her passion for learning about and supporting Native cultures. All of Beth's work is labeled "Native inspired," as she is not a member of a federally recognized tribe, although both of her maternal grandparents had Native ancestry. 

Beth likes to support efforts that highlight Native artwork, and those that help Native communities and causes. Beth sells some of her own handiwork at an Two Feathers Etsy Shop  She not only makes wonderful bracelets but all sorts of jewelry, so CHECK IT OUT!

It seems appropriate to feature this entry in closing, because the message is so important. MITAKUYE OYASIN, Lakota for "All My Relations" or "We Are All Related." 

Beth Barnes: Mitakuye Oyasin Bracelet (We Are All Related)

Pilamaye!

CARING+ACTION=HAPPY CHILDREN; the children are the future!

Peace,

The LPRCEP Team

To the remaining artists: It is not too late to be included in this post -- just shoot us an email at Lakotakids@gmail.com with a photo of an item auctioned and a brief bio and we will add your work to this post.

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