Building a tiny home in Kyle
How the Lakota Empowerment Group is replacing temporary fixes with permanent, affordable homes built by our own people.
For many on the Pine Ridge Reservation, housing has long been defined by "stop-gap" solutions. Our elders often find themselves in aging trailers or FEMA units; structures designed to last only a few years that struggle against our harsh winters, suffering from thin insulation and failing roofs. We believe our people deserve better. Our first tiny house project in Kyle is about creating a blueprint for durable, dignified, and energy-independent housing that belongs to this land.
Why Tiny Homes?
While tiny homes are a trend elsewhere, for the Lakota, they represent a return to efficiency and independence. Unlike mass-produced mobile homes, these are built with high-quality materials designed for a lifetime. They are easier to heat, more affordable to maintain, and provide a permanent foundation for our families. Most importantly, they are being built right here by our community members, keeping both the skills and the resources within the Nation.
An elder couple was living in a trailer with roof leaks, inadequate insulation and poor heating. To help them, we chose to build a tiny house. As the project nears its completion, we’d like to share our progress and how we tackled building a tiny house.
It all starts with a strong foundation
In the biting cold of January, our team of professionals and apprentices broke ground. Pouring a concrete foundation in sub-freezing temperatures is no small feat, it requires precision, timing, and a deep understanding of the elements. For our apprentices, this was a critical lesson in site preparation. Paving the way toward a future where we no longer rely on outside contractors to build our infrastructure.
Then, it came time for the floor base. After a year of projects, most of our team had gained substantial experience in woodworking, helping this step to go by in a breeze.
The project truly took shape as the framing went up. Watching the skeleton of the home rise in the Kyle landscape was a proud moment for the crew. Framing requires a sharp eye for geometry and structural integrity. Our apprentices worked alongside seasoned pros, ensuring every stud was plumb and every header was secure. This is where the "tiny" concept feels big, you can see the layout of a life being built.
With the walls standing, the team moved quickly to wrap the house and secure the roof. In our climate, "weather-tight" is the difference between a house and a home. We used high-performance house wrap and durable roofing materials to ensure that, unlike the leaky trailers of the past, this home will remain dry and efficient for decades to even the most severe South Dakota storms.
As we move into the interior finishing phase, the Lakota Empowerment Group is more convinced than ever that this model works. Thanks to the ease of construction and sustainability of these homes. We’re hoping to refine and expand our efforts while empowering our workforce and providing our elders with the security they’ve earned.
Stay tuned for the final reveal as we put the finishing touches on this new chapter for Kyle.
