Supporting the Lakota through

A dual purpose program

Helping workers gain skills in trades, while fixing the homes of families in need.

The Lakota Empowerment Group team standing outside a wooden house, under trees, on a sunny day.

Our mission was born through necessity and opportunity

Our Story

How we get it done

A cabin in Porcupine was in a severe need for repairs.

Having inadequate heating for the harsh winters while it presents a fire hazard.

Roof leaks, poor winterization and missing basic amenities led to the owner contacting us, needing urgent help fixing up their home.

Old weathered wooden house with boarded-up windows, snow on the ground, leafless trees, and a clear blue sky.

Ceiling with a large hole exposing insulation and wooden beams, with debris hanging down.

Living room with clutter, messy furniture, and a wood stove.

Many homes on Pine Ridge share most, if not all, of the problems listed above.

Often, these homes shelter big families, with some housing over 10 occupants.

This underscores the urgency of having a team ready to tackle renovations, to make living easier for the families affected by poor living conditions.

A house with weathered blue siding and boarded-up windows under a partly cloudy sky, with satellite dishes attached to the exterior.

Back of a house with boarded windows, a wooden ramp, brick walls, and grass in the yard.

Side of a house with boarded-up windows covered with plywood, beige siding, red brick corner, and a grassy yard with trees in the background.

A small, white, metal-sided building with a wooden door and a window. The door is made of plywood, and the window has blinds with some damage surrounding the frame. Two tires are stacked on the ground near the building, and there are weeds and dirt in the foreground.

Exterior of a small building with a yellow door and a small window. There is a makeshift wooden ramp and steps leading to the door, and a red scooter parked nearby. Trash and debris are scattered on the ground.

A damaged wall with holes and a window frame with no glass, boarded up with plywood and black tape.

Construction framing with wooden beams and insulation material.

The cabin was completely renovated within weeks, granting the household the peace of mind necessary to brave future winters.

It’s thanks to generous donors, the dedication and the hard work of the LEG team, led by Eddie Spears and Ricky Gray Grass, that more and more families on the Rez are able to enjoy homes with renewed warmth, comfort, and essential necessities.

For each project completed, the team grows, apprentices learn new skills and improve their methods, empowering the Lakota workforce and stimulating the local economy.