Land that was once free and full of opportunity is now left barren with only a few homes to show for the original population. The actions of former Western settlers and US government officials has left the Oglala Sioux Tribe facing daily adversity. The poor conditions leave little room for life, with the life expectancy on the reservations being around 50. These issues also cause some residents in Oglala Lakota to battle with homelessness and others to struggle with the overcrowding of their homes. In this video, the Chronicle shows how students have helped to make a change in the lives of Pine Ridge locals.

    During service week, a group of faculty and students made their way to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Over the course of 5 days, the students worked with the non-profit organization Re-Member to enhance the safety of the homes on the reservation. Their work consisted of skirting trailers and farming.   

    These students didn’t just do volunteer work, they volunteered their minds while listening to locals speak about their experiences. They were able to gain wholesome connections and new insights on residents’ lifestyle, culture, and history.

    Many of the student, faculty, and Re-Member volunteers expressed their opinions on the work that they were doing in this video. Most felt like it was important for the community, and others communicated their joy watching the students interact with the community.

    Senior Joshua Barritt gave his stance: “[…]Just like the rest of the country’s problems, they can’t just be solved with throwing a billion dollars at it. That’s just not how you solve things with people. […] A genuine connection to these people and a love for fellow Americans is […] the way we get things done.” 

    This leaves many to wonder, what does my community look like? Does my community need change? How can I make this change?

    Listen in to learn more about this educational and impactful experience.