Experience life in an American Indian community on the plains of South Dakota. Unique and meaningful community service opportunities await you on the route to one of America’s most popular tourist destinations! Enter a world largely unknown to casual visitors, working one-on-one with the Sicangu Oyate – also known as Sicangu Rosebud Sioux people. Help with pressing social, labor and cultural projects for a week of service, learning and fun.
Your service program contribution is tax-deductible when you follow our itinerary. Select program options here, select a date to hold your place with a $350 deposit, and call a volunteer coordinator at (800) 487-1074 for help if needed. If you prefer, you may print a text registration form and submit it by mail or fax. Minors – under age 18 – must complete a minor registration form and travel with a parent or adult legal guardian.
Your team leader is a Global Volunteers alumni or member of staff who has completed our comprehensive team leader training, and is skilled in managing diverse groups of people. All of our team leaders are certified in CPR, and have served on multiple service programs – some up to 20 times! Your Montana team leader has demonstrated an understanding of the host community’s culture, and has received top scores on previous volunteer teams’ evaluations. You’ll receive background information on your team leader approximately four weeks before your service program begins.
Global Volunteers’ service program officially begins with the Saturday evening meal. If you are delayed, please contact us with your updated arrival plans. Many volunteers drive to the host community either from home or the airport, Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP). If you don’t drive, your team leader will pick you up at the airport and transport you in a 12 passenger van to our lodging in Mission, SD. You’ll likewise be driven back to the airport at the conclusion of the program. Your volunteer orientation materials will provide updated information on your team meeting place in the host community.
Your health, safety and security is our top priority. Your lodging, food and transportation are provided always with a mind to protect you while at the work site and in your hotel. Your team leader is trained in CPR and first aid. Read more about health and safety here.
Summer days on the plains of South Dakota can get hot. Sunburn and dehydration can be risks, so we urge you to pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and a water bottle. You likely will not encounter wild animals or poisonous insects or snakes at the work sites or at lodging facilities. However, stray dogs may be present. We strongly recommend you consult your own physician, public health clinic and/or travel clinic for detailed travel health information, and make sure your tetanus shots are up to date.
Ample time is provided after the work day to enjoy local natural and culture attractions – which include visits to Sinte Gleska University, souvenir shopping, hiking local trails, and participating in community events and celebrations. Beading and Dreamcatcher classes are available along with a buffalo ranch tour, and presentations on the sundance and Wacipi, Lakota creation and traditions. While our non-profit status prevents us from organizing free-time activities, you may be interested to visit the world-renown Mount Rushmore, Black Hills and Badlands around Rapid City before or after your service program.
Serving on the reservation is a most unique and fulfilling family opportunity. Children as young as 12 can fully participate in work projects, team meetings and free time. Most non-Indians in the U.S. never have the opportunity to experience “rez life” personally. As Global Volunteers, you and your children are acquainted with the cultural differences and similarities between Native Americans and Non-Indians, and gain respect for those living within the limitations of economic poverty. Stereotypes are dispelled, assumptions are challenged. You’re exposed to the Lakota language, traditions and legacy of the early American settlers in Indian territory.
Most important, you provide a needed service working alongside local people. The assignments may at once seem inconsequential, however, when you allow yourself to experience Nature’s rhythm and simplicity, you’ll gain understanding and respect for the role of service in this severely under-resourced community.
Service programs are conveniently scheduled during summer break from school. Parents and guardians are expected to supervise their child volunteers, and collaborate with our team leader and local partners to maximize the service experience for everyone. In this way, youth form a rare, personal perspective of this unique culture beyond textbook depictions and legends. What’s more, they may gain life-long friends in one of the country’s least-understood populations.
Many student and corporate groups have served on our Indian Reservation programs to learn first-hand about the host community and to strengthen their commitment to community service and teamwork. Because of our on-going relationship with the Lakota Nation, every member of your group can fully engage their unique skills and interests in meaningful service. We work with you to customize your program to learn about each other in a non-traditional way as an intact volunteer team. With advanced preparation, you can be certain that your unique contributions on genuine development projects advance the futures of those you serve.
Some student groups return year after year to our reservation programs to further understand the history, language, culture and modern life in a decidedly “non-tourist” manner.
Working with local teens, tribal leaders, elders and children, you gain a rare, “insider” perspective of daily life on the reservation. Comparing notes with your teammates at the end of the day around the campfire, you reflect on the experience of volunteering together and experiencing the Indian culture as you live it.
1 week programs available
Fees From:
$1,045
Projects Include:
Labor, Youth Summer Camp
Local time:
Your health and safety as a volunteer in the USA are our top priorities. Lodging is dormitory style with two bunk beds per room and shared women’s and men’s bathrooms. Each person must bring their own bedding – sheets, a blanket and pillows or and sleeping bags.
Breakfast is self-serve at the lodging facility, with packed or provided lunch at the work sites. Evening meals are prepared by a local cook at the lodging facility. Food is typical American fare – meat, potatoes, salads and soups. Strict vegetarian and other restrictive diets may not be easily accommodated. Local water is safe; bottled water is available. WiFi is available for an additional charge.
Be The Change.
Through important, full-day volunteer assignments and free-time activities, you learn about the Lakota Nation and the significant ways you improve children’s and elders’ lives. Our time-tested and proven philosophy of service ensures your efforts help advance the host community’s development vision and goals. You contribute to genuine development projects, and in doing so, you’re accepted as family. You can also volunteer on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Our commitment to work in partnership with American Indian nations on long-term community projects enables you, in just a short time, to serve as a critical link in a chain of volunteer support spanning three decades.
Read more about our South Dakota program though the prospective of our volunteers on this Lakota Culture post on our program blog.
