By Jamie Folsom | National Director
Last weekend volunteers from St. John's United Church of Christ in Denver, Colorado joined Henry Red Cloud, owner of Lakota Solar Enterprises, and Trees, Water & People staff for a blessing ceremony at the site of Paul Shields' future home. Henry led the ceremony with a traditional Lakota prayer, blessing the land where the compressed earth block (CEB) home will be built later this summer. The volunteer group from Denver also offered a prayer to the family as they prepare to build this new home.
Spirituality is critical to the traditional Lakota way of living. Wakan Takna - the Great Spirit - receives thanks for everything on Earth. The Lakota people are full of pride, honor, and dignity. These cultural elements are kept humble and true through prayer and deeply-rooted faith.
This recent ceremony marks the beginning of a new life for the Shields family, who are currently living in a dilapidated trailer that lacks proper heating and plumbing, among other basic amenities. The new CEB home is designed to be energy efficient and affordable, providing the family with a dignified place to call home.
Building this new home for the Shields Family is truly a community effort, bringing together people from around the country who are providing time and donations to complete the home. Thank you for your continued support! We hope you will share this project with a friend and ask them to contribute too.
Mitakuye Oyasin ( We are all related)
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