By Deidre Avery | Project Coordinator
Mitakuyapi Relatives,
In response to the world water crisis and to combat the resultant and ever-increasing climate extremes that are currently devastating the Earth and threatening the existence of humankind, Mni, a grassroots non-profit organization, is working to restore soil integrity and the water cycle on the homelands of the Cheyenne River Lakota nation. Restoration of the ecosystem will be achieved through a process which draws on, and fully integrates, Lakota traditions, wisdom and culture. This work will also address the critical and immediate needs of tribal members, who suffer from staggering poverty and rising health problems, by promoting productive soil, restored water sources, and healthy, locally-sourced foods. At the same time we will demonstrate to the world the broad potential of restoration on indigenous lands, mobilizing efforts to repair the world water cycle, and reducing CO2 in the atmosphere through soil carbon sequestration.
Mni recognizes that this work is critical to the survival of the planet. The goal of global ecological restoration will require much work, and the whole world must take part if we hope to avert global disaster. We are all caretakers of the earth which sustains us, and must take common responsibility for it.
Mni invites you to help us create positive changes in a specific ecosystem; in the material and spiritual well-being of Reservation residents; and in broader efforts to address land degradation and climate change. Guided by ancient prophecies and modern teachings, Mni will take the lead on the ground in promoting civic engagement, uniting the people of the Reservation spiritually, and resuming natural life ways that can reestablish and maintain the balance on Earth which allows the existence of mankind.
We need you to make this difference with us. We are looking for and need people to donate time, energy, and experience in a variety of areas, including water restoration, rainwater catchment construction, aquaponics, reforestation, restoring native ecology, non-conventional sustainable housing, traditional ecological knowledge, and permaculture. Most importantly, we need boots on the ground to implement our vision.
Beginning June 14, 2015, Mni will again hold a two-week water restoration training camp at our base camp at Tatanka Wakpala/Buffalo Creek, a model sustainable community on the east end of the. This camp will kick start Mni’s restoration work throughout the Lakota homelands, so we will be accepting and hosting volunteers all summer.
If you would like to be a part of this important effort to heal the world water cycle, please fill out the volunteer application below or contact Candace Ducheneaux at (605) 733-2148.
For further information check in and 'like' our Mni facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mni.water.
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