Red Cloud Straw Bale Building_0002.wmv

Some of the construction of a straw-bale building at the home of Henry Red Cloud on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Our group of teens and adults from 1st Congregational UCC in Brainerd MN spent a week doing volunteer work, meeting people from the reservation, and learning about the culture and history of the Lakota tribe. This building will be used as a demonstration of the technique of using straw bales plastered with mud to build a very strong structure tremendously well insulated and will used as a sort of sacred space for whoever needs to have a gathering. Ceremonies by families or the community for naming, healing, birthday parties, weddings, or memorial services are just a few of the possibilities. It is hoped the straw bale techniques can be used in the future for desperately needed housing for the Lakota on the reservation. Thank you Henry for your vision, humor, and s hospitality. Thanks also to the Re-member Outreach organization for all you do to help these great people who in many ways have been all but forgotten by the nation that stole their land, violated every treaty, and killed them almost to the point of extinction. Their spirit is strong, their hope is boundless, their hospitality and generosity are both gracious and without limit.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Re-member
• Straw-bale
• green architecture
• Pine Ridge Reservation
• Henry Red Cloud

[akabod28]

Wonderful job! Both on the building of the straw bale building and on the video showing the process.

I've been out to Pine Ridge several times and worked as a volunteer at Re-Member. I feel lucky to have heard Henry speak and hope his vision can help many Lakota families.

Mitakuye Oyasin (We are all related) indeed.