Project Report
| Jul 26, 2017
All hands on deck! Summer build season is underway
![Student Engineer installed new solar panel]()
Student Engineer installed new solar panel
An awful lot will be going on in a short amount of time at Bryan Dean's ranch in Slim Buttes.
We will begin the process of laying the foundation for a training center to teach the Lakota a more self-sustainable life way, with classes in green home builds, alternative energy to include solar and wind power. There will be classes in how to design, build, install and maintain these systems, as well as permaculture and aquaponics. A root cellar has already been built and reinforced, as has a walapini (underground greenhouse that can double as a tornado shelter).
- May/June 2017: Water Protector Matthew Yerge, of Tea House fame at Standing Rock has been on the Slim Buttes homestead since May…and YES…he has the Tea House set up. He has been very active in raising funds for materials and equipment, fuel for the vehicles and food to feed the volunteers he has inspired to travel there to help with the root cellar and completion of the Walapini. He’s also been very active in supporting a “Convergence of Indigenous Wisdom and Permaculture Skills” presented by Megan Szrom, July 26-31.
- Mid-July 2017: We are raising the funds to purchase 32 sq. ft. of ribbed tin (RED) to re-roof the outdoor kitchen, as well as install a cement/earth mixed floor, assist with converting outdoor commodes to compostable commodes, and check on the integrity of the solar shower and repair accordingly. We will also share in raising funds for food.
- August 2017: Students from Engineers Without Borders at Colorado State University will join us August 16-19. They will present Bryan with the design for the first phase of the community center/school. After two and a half days of hard work with Bryan, we'll have a lechonada/luau to show these young engineering students how deeply we appreciate all they have done for the project, including the water and soil testing, helping to shore up the outdoor kitchen, in addition to designing the communitycenter/school building.
Service Civile International, an international volunteer agency we have worked with in the past, states there have been no volunteers signing up for camp this summer, as there is much concern about travel. We are now putting out a call for experienced construction volunteers to come help with TWM’s part of the build. We would also appreciate cooks to help in the kitchen. You are coming, aren’t you? (smile)
I will send my prayers to the Four Winds that these homesteads will continue to manifest in a good way, and that my Spiritual strength continue to carry me as I continue my Earth Walk in this time. And as Paulo Coelho said in his book extraordinaire The Alchemist, I fully believe all the Universe will conspire to help me achieve this.
Until then, be well, stay strong on your Life Journey, and Wicosani to you and those you love.
![Red tin roof is almost finished]()
Red tin roof is almost finished
![Parachute-shade is crucial in 100 degree heat]()
Parachute-shade is crucial in 100 degree heat
![Share on Twitter]()
![Share on Facebook]()
