It started where a lot of dreams begin — on paper. When we were dreaming about the Recreation (Rec) Center Renovation and Expansion at St. Joseph’s Indian School, we started sketching and making notes about what this new space could be and what it would mean for the Lakota (Sioux) children at our school.
Sketches and notes turned into researching, meetings, building renderings, planning, planning and more planning and so many other logistical tasks. But through it all, the core of this project remained the same — seeing dreams come true for the Lakota children.
So many of our friends have already joined us in the pursuit of this dream. Last year, we began Phase I of the Rec Center Expansion and Renovation. The entryway of the existing Rec Center has been overhauled. What once was a bare parking lot now hosts the foundation and walls of a new gym. Most recently, those very walls received electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling components.
We could go on and on about the rest of the work in this email, but sometimes visuals paint the best picture. Please head to our website to see a video, photos and timeline tracking events and progress since the very beginning.
You are making it possible to see this dream fulfilled. I can’t express enough how validating it has been to see so many of our thiyóšpaye — extended family — join hands with the Lakota children.
You’ll see this project — this dream — still has a way to go before it is complete. While Phase I is coming to a close, Phase II will begin later this spring. Therefore, I wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely say philámayaye — thank you — for your support. This work would not be possible without you, and for that the Lakota children and I are truly grateful. Your generosity is so inspiring.
Again, please stay tuned for more updates on the progress of the Rec Center Renovation and Expansion project at St. Joseph’s Indian School.
We may not be at the finish line yet, but we can see it as this dream takes shape before our very eyes each and every day. Wóphila tȟáŋka — many thanks — for your dedication and support.
