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| The Oglala Commemoration's Annual SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE In Memory Of Mariah Montileaux |
| This annual school supply drive is one of our community projects create to honor Leonard Peltier's vision of empowering the Oglala People to have an active role n defining the furture of their tribe. Both Leonard and the committee believe that all have the potential to rise above their given circumstances and to effectively contribute to the preservation of traditional lamguage and spirituality through education in spite of the hostorial circumstamces which sought to deprive the Oglala of their destiny. Given the right tools, support and resource, many Oglala children are able to transcend the dire economic and social situation of the challenged reservation community. The failure to adequately provide for these choldren raises the need individuals to become involved and to help the balance in these childrens favor. "It's time to listen to our Youth, to hear how we can help them -- physically, mentally and emotionally" There is musch need , woth drop out rates over 70% and Lakota teen suicide rates at 150 % above the norm for the US, the BIA reports that Pine Ridge Schools are in the bottom 10% of school funding by the US Dept. of Education. High Umemployment, illiteracy, alcoholism and drug addiction, farther fuels the vast sense of hopelessness that many of these children experience daily. This year's drive in in Memory of Mariah Montileaux, a 14 year old 9th grader. Mariah was a recipient of the Catherine Laurance Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a freshman at the Red Cloud School. Her love for children ad animals inspired her to study medicine or veterinary sciences. A highly intelligent young woman who loved the challenge of studying the Lakota language. Mariah danced Fancy Shawl, Jingle Dress and Traditional. Mariah's dreams came to an abrupt end on November 18, 2009. Mariah was the daughter of Iva Black Elk Star Comes Out, niece of Owen Black Elk and a daughter to many. The Committee will be collecting on behald of Mariah's memory. It is our vision of empowerment and our belief in the destiny of our youth. Contributions may be mailed, dropped off, or brought to the Oglala Commemoration Event. (arangement can be made for St. Louis area pick ups) Mail to: Oglala Commemoration 3023 Hwy K PMB 523 Ofallon, MO 63368 Drop offs: NAICCO - pow-wows (look for our booth) Wash U. pick pow-wow pick up Email us at oglala_commemoration@yahoo.com |
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