Pine Ridge reservation is one of the poorest and most devastated areas in the US, with average lifespan of age 49 for males, 60% adult diabetes, inadequate housing, and a harsh environment.

Challenge:

To address the need for local, healthy food, water, shelter, and energy systems at Pine Ridge Lakota reservation.   

Solution:

To organize and support a series of permaculture projects that include research, education, tree planting, gardening, natural building and water catchment through a partnership with Ogala Lakota Cultural and Economic Revitalization Initiative (“OLCERI”)

This project is an ongoing, multi-year project aimed at creating food, water, shelter, and energy resilience and security, and cultural and economic revitalization through a research and demonstration site, education, outreach, and systems installation in the Slim Butte region of Pine Ridge.

Project Lead: Koreen Brennan