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We began our journey by planting 350 trees – apples, plums, apricots, cherries, pears – in the shape of a giant Medicine Wheel. We lined the borders of the park by planting a 5-row shelterbelt filled with native berries – choke cherries, wild plums, currents, gooseberries, juniper- totaling 5,000 shrubs and trees. In the following year we added a fenced in community garden with water system, and a swing set for the kids. We talk to the youth about the importance of healthy foods and sustainability practices to ensure their future.

Throughout the years, we have continued to gather community members to help prune and care for the trees and grow veggies in the summer.  The peaceful setting of the Park is good for the soul and a healthy, peaceful place to walk. In the Summer of 2018, we hosted our first large community gathering called ‘The Summer Solstice Celebration of Life’ and had elders speak, music, workshops and built a small cob playhouse for the kids.The poor living conditions in North central South Dakota are filled with helplessness and hopelessness and have extremely high rates of alcoholism, violence, teen pregnancy, abuse and suicide. These ways of life have led to the loss of our culture, language and connection to the Earth. It is our vision to revive Lakota cultural ways. One of these ways is by creating a shaded gazebo in the center of the Medicine Wheel orchard where our elders can teach on a regular basis. We have started a building fund to make this happen for the park.

Please consider making a donation to Medicine Wheel Living Park.