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Winter in the Dakotas. A family of 12, with a few strays thrown in, huddles together on the bare floor of their clapboard hovel, trying to warm themselves with human heat. Old, torn blankets hang on unpainted walls--a meager defense against the sub-zero temperatures and icy winds outside.
Meanwhile, Darlene Caddote, mother of seven, struggles to return to her children. As she drives the last of 40 miles from her workplace, her car slams into a snow bank. She too will be found in the morning, her life claimed not by frigid temperatures or hunger, but by carbon monoxide poisoning.
The plight of Native Americans in this part of the country has grabbed the attention of a group of volunteers in Fort Collins, Colorado. Led by former Fairfielder Carmeen Klausner, they have been loading 48-foot containers with relief supplies and hauling them to the Pine Ridge and Standing Rock Reservations in North and South Dakota.
But their huge humanitarian effort grew out of a simple visit. Carmeen and husband Franklin were attending a Sundance Ceremony in Porcupine, South Dakota, in August 1994 when they first glimpsed the poverty these citizens endure. "There's no need for people in this country to go without clothing," Carmeen told The Coloradoan, a local newspaper.
With this conviction and the deep sadness she felt on seeing the many impoverished children, Carmeen was determined to change things. Within two months, she and several friends collected donations of winter clothing, food, and school supplies, and with a truck donated by Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, drove the 360 miles to bring relief.
Then came the winter of 1996 with its fierce blizzards. Some 9,000 Native Americans were trapped in poverty stricken villages like Wakpala, South Dakota, hungry and cold. Somehow, inhabitants of the 2.3 million-acre reservation managed to send out a plea for help via the Internet. And Carmeen and her group responded to their cry. Again they collected food, blankets, fuel, coats, a long list of emergency supplies, plus Greg Brandt, who donated his truck and drove the supplies to the reservation.
"If you could only see the glow of joy and gratitude on the faces of our people when they get something as simple as a pair of gloves," Addie Defender, a tribal member and relief coordinator, said to The Daily Times-Call.
Pathways to Spirit Formed
Fueled by their commitment to improve the quality of life of the Lakota people, Carmeen and several friends inaugurated the non-profit corporation Pathways to Spirit. Carmeen, who works part time for a company that sells herbal products, serves as President. She has been helping the Lakota people for eight years and for three of those has provided them donations. Donna Palinkx, Vice-President and Donations Coordinator, works part time for a computer-based company. She has been involved in numerous other non-profit organizations and local school projects. Jan Wood, Secretary, works full time for a large national bank and is a volunteer with SHARE, a food distribution network. Franklin Klausner, Treasurer, also works full time for a computer company and is very involved with a local Masonic Lodge. Assistant to his wife, Donna, is Friday Palinkx, a full-time Larimer County Parks employee.
More Projects in the Works
Many long-term projects are in the pipeline for Pathways to Spirit. The corporation's first rudimentary Web page is up and, even in its incomplete state, has already paid its way. It not only facilitated rescue efforts during the blizzard of 1996 but also attracts the interest and donations of concerned individuals worldwide. Those wanting to have a look should check <www.webaccess.net/~path ways>.
Carmeen and fellow angels are also working on a grant for a project called "Pathways House." The idea is to provide a nurturing environment in the Denver area where ten teens at a time would come. There they would learn skills to share with their families and friends on the reservation. The Lakota elders near Denver will also teach them their language and culture. In this way they will preserve their natural heritage while learning to improve their life at home. But the volunteers lack the necessary grant-writing skills and are looking for assistance in this area.
A project to teach people how to build straw-bale homes will bring much-needed relief from the deplorable housing conditions, but the coordinators still need volunteers with expertise in this field. "If everyone could only understand how pitiful their lives are," said Carmeen. "These people need help badly. The tribal governments are put in by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and are very corrupt. Millions of taxpayers dollars go onto the reservations but you cannot see it anywhere. People starve and freeze to death while the tribal government stands by and does nothing. This is why they need the help of the white people."
There are other ways individuals can help. Financial donations can pay for propane and electricity bills, for example. When propane runs out, families can't eat, and this year's doubling in the price of the fuel makes things harder for everyone. The group pays the propane and electric companies directly.
Interested individuals can also "Adopt a Family." You can choose an entire family, an elder, or a child from a list and take care of their personal needs on a regular basis. A reliable transport truck would also mean a lot to elders needing to take care of sacred ceremonial grounds, or to others forced to walk long distances to shop.
So far, the corporation is extremely pleased with the support they have received. "We have been so blessed," Carmeen said. "We have paid nothing for all the help, physical labor, and items we have collected." Among the donations are the funds for the purchase of a 48-foot semi trailer, given by Sam's Club and IBM. Carmeen says that they have taken eight semi truckloads to the reservation since last December alone. Other gifts include $500 from a dear Fairfield friend and smaller sums from individuals around the world.
Their work has also stirred up the regional press, which has jumped in to support the group's heroic, humanitarian efforts. A reporter for Denver news channel 7, for example, drove through blizzards to cover the story of the devastation and suffering in the Dakotas. Their resulting news coverage attracted many donations. Similarly, articles have appeared in The Coloradoan, The Daily Times-Call, and other local publications.
Carmeen is even more gratified by the experience for personal reasons: she has been adopted by a Lakota woman, who teaches her many good things. "It's a great honor to be adopted by them. According to their way, it's a spiritual adoption that goes on forever and ever--into the spirit world."
Another winter will soon be upon us. If the group receives your support in time, they will be able to better prepare the Native Americans for what lies ahead.
Three Ways to Help
1. Donate Clothing, Food, Toys. On Monday, November 17, a truck full of goods will leave Fairfield for the Pine Ridge Reservation in North Dakota. Items that are especially needed are winter clothes (boots, gloves, coats, blankets, etc.) in good condition, and new or like-new toys. Donations of food or other household items will also be accepted.
Please bring these items to Angel Gifts at 903 W. Broadway (corner of 9th and Broadway) on Saturday, November 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
If you cannot make this time, call Don at (515) 472-1567 for an alternative drop-off spot.
2. Donate Money. Financial donations are especially needed to buy propane, food, and other items. Checks made payable to Pathways to Spirit can be sent to Don Schmit, 1303 Little Fawn, Fairfield, IA 52556. (All donations are tax deductible.)
3. Volunteer Your Time. If you would like to help with the volunteer effort in Fairfield, please leave your name and phone number at 472-1567.
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On January 8, a presentation and dessert celebration will be held at the Fairfield Public Library to show the results of your efforts (time to be announced).
Pathways to Spirit can be reached at: 4307 Goldeneye Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80526; (970)-282-8573; or e-mail them at: pathways@webaccess.net.
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