About Us

Sweetwater Education Foundation

A non-profit, tax exempt organization under section 501(C) 3 in the nternal Revenue Code. All contributions are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS.

Dedicated to:

* Providing Native American Native American teachers for Native American children by granting scholarships to Native American college students who intend to return to their tribe and teach on the reservation and who respect the traditions and spiritual values of their tribe

* Providing financial support to other projects considered beneficial to Native Americans

The Project’s History

    The NCEP originates deep in the tradition of the  giveaway, particularly a “Children’s Giveaway”, that was established in Rosebud, SD by Chief Phil Crazy Bull during the sacred Sundance ceremony at Crow Dog’s Paradise.

    A full blooded Sicangu Lakota, born and raised on the poverty stricken Rosebud Reservation,   Uncle Phil knew full well the huge challenges for the children raised on the reservation.  He knew their  need to feel empowered to find their way into a healthy future.  He knew that we have to reach the children. He believed in education and had his own masters degree. Though he loved all children, he held a special place in his heart for the reservation kids.

    Every year until his passing in 2006, he sponsored an annual giveaway for every child who came to Paradise on the 3^rd day of the Sundance ceremony.  Hundreds came. Because of the magnitude of the need and the scarcity of funds, the gifts were primarily toys that often were not  high quality.  But indeed, every child got something… from diapers and rattles for babies to dolls and notebooks. Every child felt the love of this great man.

Since Uncle’s passing, our Sundance camp has carried on the tradition of the Children‘s Giveaway.  Like Uncle, we are   listening to the voices of the children. The primary focus of the gifts has shifted to ……you guessed it right, school supplies!

                             Christine Leonard, Project Administrator

Conditions on the REZ

    The Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations may well be the poorest areas in our entire nation.   Overall the children and youth do not have a sense that accomplishment is possible.  Their dreams are often drowned in doubt and there is not much around that says they are wrong.  Due to the extreme poverty, it can be nearly impossible for families to afford food, clothes and shelter, let alone school supplies, and certainly not quality supplies.  I want to change that.

Currently reservation life is caught in a cycle of poverty, poor school performance, and a lack of economic opportunity. Young people don't see worthwhile jobs being offered, so they don't go to school. An under-educated work force keeps employers at bay. With this low standard of living, youth remain underfed and underachieving. For generations, family members have not held a job. It’s no surprise that the biggest challenge in improving education is dealing with poverty.

What is the Native Children’s Education Project?

 There is movement in the tribal Boards of Education to overcome the failings of the past. It asserts, among other things, that kids should grow up healthy and alcohol-free, respectful and knowledgeable of their heritage, confident in their abilities and academically strong. Curriculums are changing and students want to be at school. Families feel safe to participate in the schools.

Although the Native Children’s Education Project is just beginning to support this new wave, it has already made a difference.

            Education IS  planning for the future.  Providing basic school supplies, otherwise unaffordable, for as many children as possible is to let them know we believe there IS a bright future waiting. This is  the first step. As this project grows more educational support can be provided.

The children show up, every year hoping for school supplies.

~~ Let’s not disappoint them!

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS

PROGRESS

In 2008, the folks at Sweetwater Education Foundation recognized the value of this project and agreed to sponsor the fundraising for the giveaway through their non-profit support organization.   As a result, last year over $2500 worth of books, pens, pencils, notebooks, paper, binders, back packs, rulers, lunch boxes, art supplies were presented to the young folks in ceremonial fashion. There were educational toys ,too and even some clothes.  For the infants there were dolls, stuffed animals, teething rings, rattles  and some basic care items. We distributed  over 200 backpacks before we ran out.   Everywhere were children smiling and going through their fully loaded packs and trying out their new pens, talking excitedly about the upcoming school year. Every child received a gift every gift was of durable quality and gave the message:

“You matter and you have a future.”

APPEAL

This year at Paradise is an extra special year for the giveaway.  It will be an honoring of the 4^th year of Chief Phil Crazy Bull’s death. We want to make it the most generous year ever.

We are able to order in bulk supply.  That means every dollar you give goes a lot further. We can provide sound educational toys or buy and fill a new backpack for between $15 and $20 with plenty of quality school supplies plus a little something personal.

There are over 25,000  children on these reservations. It is likely that 20,000 cannot afford these supplies.

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS

Dear Friend,

Every gift, regardless of amount, is received with total gratitude.

Pilamaya aloh, thank you very much, for your generous heart. 

Christine

On behalf of the Children

All contributions are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS.

     Make all contributions to: 

  Sweetwater Education Foundation

   And mail to:

     Sweetwater Education Foundation/NCEF

     c/o Christine Leonard

     2305-C Ashland Street #149

      Ashland OR   97520

Or Online:

For more information:

Write to the above address or

Email Christine Leonard

CLeo281807@aol.com