As the westward expansion of the United States, euphemistically called "Manifest Destiny," progressed toward the Pacific while the Nineteenth Century wore on, what has been characterized as a slow motion genocide of Native American peoples wreaked havoc on the traditional culture and way of life of the original occupants of the North American continent.

Gradually the survivors were herded onto reservations, often in less desirable areas, where the Great White Fathers, in our beneficence, promised to provide for the now downtrodden and demoralized tribal members. A once proud, fiercely independent lifestyle that was far more engaged with nature and sharing the earth was gradually deemphasized, changed to emulate white culture, and was to be forgotten.

In such a milieu, how can anyone wonder that a culture of dependency developed that led to poverty, addiction, and hopelessness?

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After 12 years working with the Lakota (Sioux) people, I shared their concern about a book about natives written by a non-native. This historical novel, first in a trilogy, is amazingly well researched and well written. It accurately portrays the culture of the Lakota people and provides vivid descriptions of life, hardships, and dreams of those who chose to move west on wagon trains crossing the US. It also portrays the immigrants who came here lured by the dream of a new life, and the conflicts that occurred as a result of different cultures and different lifestyles.   It also vividly describes those who viewed Natives as a group to be dominated and annihilated if necessary to meet a political goal or to pursue personal riches - something that continued long after the time of Manifest Destiny.

Thanks to our supporters and friends, we are one of the first winners of a 2018 Top-Rated Award from GreatNonprofits!

You have been showing your appreciation of our work since 2011, allowing us to win this valued Top-Rated Award in consecutive years. Thank you so much for your support! It helps us to continue, even when times get hard.

Read inspiring stories about us and add your own! https://greatnonprofits.org/org/one-spirit

Last October, we told you about the generous offer made by the non-profit Everybody Solar to raise funds to make the One Spirit Allen Youth Center a solar-powered facility. Successfully getting solar power for the youth center would free up needed funds to enhance the operations of the center, raise awareness about renewable energy among the Lakota, and help enable us to continue and broaden the operations of a vital safe place for Lakota youth to prosper.

Everybody Solar raises funds to help other non-profits get solar power to save operating funds and to make another step toward trying to save our rapidly changing climate. 

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