My neighbor at Sicangu/Rosebud camp Wind Cloud is building an earth sheltered house out of driftwood from the river and dirt. I see him digging every day in all kinds of weather. No money for materials, just what can be found. One of the many aspects of the slower pace of this side of the river.
A bunch of folks from Ashville, North Carolina just showed up, bringing yurts and good chocolate. We are moving the Zaniyan Wellness Space a bit up the path, as the big canopy left by the midwives won’t winter.
We are putting in a first aid station next to the herb and healing space. Got solar power, a structure, the wood stoves. Just working on getting a wood floor (pallets and plywood) in the car canopy, tarps, blankets, insulation with what we can find. Making a tent a suitable space to treat hypothermia seems counter intuitive, but we work with what we have. We keep hearing about donated artic tents, a permanent clinic is in the works. In the meantime Sicangu/Rosebud makes do. Unlike the other camps, Rosebud has no funds, just what people bring.
I am moving the big tipi over, getting people and systems in place to continue when I am gone. So many people from so many tribes, it is exciting and historic and I love the work. But darn, I miss my warm house, garden, family, and now appreciate the ease of my life.
Most people come and go here, but the dedication is inspiring. We need building materials, stovepipe and materials to put wood stoves in tents and tipis. We need fire extinguishers. And we need all of you. If you can handle the harsh conditions, come, camp, if not, please keep supporting.
#waterislife #nodapl
