Contact us at: whispernthunder1@gmail.comChampions of Compassion
~ Mary Burrows
During the ensuing years since the infamous
incident that sparked the Rapid
City Community Conversations, there has
been a strong surge of Native positivity
throughout Lakota country.
Pejuta Waste O'Tipi (payzhoota washtay
oteepee), or Good Medicine Lodge, a
Native American relief initiative, provides the most vulnerable members of the
Rapid City, South Dakota, community with care, support, and access to
resources. The comprehensive community collaboration seeks to foster
healing and resilience by addressing people's needs through a range of
programs and services...starting with warm meals.
Pejuta Waste O'Tipi operates on the principle of being a good relative: Mitakuye
Ni Waste. According to statistics, Native Americans, including Alaska Natives,
have the second highest rate of homelessness per capita in the United States.
Native Hawai'ians and Pacific Islanders rate the highest.
Good Medicine Lodge is the city's only day care center, open five days a week
from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers provide food for and serve 50 to 100 meals
each day, aiming to heal the community one meal at a time!
Pejuta Waste O'Tipi Mission Statement:The mission of Pejuta Waste O'Tipi/Good Medicine Lodge is to help heal our community one meal at a time. We are committed to providing our most vulnerable relatives with safety, hospitality, and compassion, and to assist in
identifying resources to meet the needs of the people. Through our dedication
and unwavering support, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of our
people, fostering self-determination, and a stronger and more resilient
community where everyone's needs are met.
The Pejuta Waste O'Tipi “Good Medicine Lodge” is a comprehensive community
effort aimed at providing support, resources, and care to vulnerable members of
the community. The overarching goal is to foster healing and resilience,
addressing various needs through a range of services and programs.
The center is a hub where community members can receive assistance wit
accessing resources and services from community volunteers. Various aspects
of the program are supported by volunteers, local faith communities, and other
organizations. Essential items like hygiene supplies, clothing, showers, laundry,
and essential shelter in treacherous weather are offered.
The core of the initiative lies in the principles of Lakota Values, which include care and respect, compassion, honesty and trust, generosity and helping, humility, and wisdom.
With an eye to the future, Pejuta Waste O'Tipi offers leadership training,
providing opportunities for personal growth, building skills, and mentorship.
In recognition of community strength based in living Lakota Values, Pejuta
Waste O'Tipi celebrated the inaugural honoring of their Champions of
Compassion on 22 November, 2025, with ceremony, a meal, and a silent auction
fundraiser, which funds go to supporting the needs of the people.
Champions of Compassion strengthen the fabric of communities through quiet
leadership and consistent acts of service.
During the meal of bison, wild rice, green salad, and wojapi, catered by Sacred
Storm Buffalo in Rapid City, the drum circle kept good energy flowing. Following
the meal, four Champions were honored.
Deb Daly, coordinator for Friday Feed meal at Memorial Park band shell, Feeding
South Dakota volunteer, and long-time local educator, received tribute for giving
of her own time and resources to nourish minds and stomachs. Daly acts with
consistency and love, and is livng proof that being wholeheartedly present can
change lives.
Described as a warrior for the people, Captain Ryan Marcks of the Rapid City
Fire Department has earned the trust of relatives living in local encampments
through his work with the Mobile Integrated Health Program. Marcks is willing to
help in all situations, including searching for relatives in the cold, at any hour,
and demonstrates dedication and compassion through his care for those in
need.
With activism roots in the American Indian Movement (AIM), Carla and Tom
Cheyenne were honored as cultural anchors and the backbone of the mission of
Pejuta Waste O'Tipi. The Cheyennes are beloved volunteers who demonstrate
lives of service, resilience, generosity, and purpose through on-going
commitments to helping others.
They are the highest examples of good relatives who stand with Pejuta Waste
O'Tipi and selflessly embody its highest aspirations. “It is about helping our
own,” said Carla. Tom assured that “We will continue to fight, and our young
people will lead.”
Following an Honor Song by the drum circle, honorees greeted and visited with
their guests before going back into their worlds of service.
www.pejuta.org