One Spirit Deutschland e.V. - Association for the Support of North American Indians

The aim of One Spirit Germany is to improve the living conditions of the Lakota Indians (Sioux) on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota (USA). The people there live in precarious conditions that one would not really expect in the USA.

With unemployment at 80%, poverty and a lack of prospects prevail, leading to alcohol and drug abuse. Many Lakota live in poorly insulated wooden houses or caravans, often without electricity or running water. An above-average number of people suffer from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and life expectancy is only around 50 years! Many Lakota are dependent on government food supplies, but these are inadequate and often consist of unhealthy convenience foods.

One Spirit is working side by side with the Lakota to improve the prospects on the reservation. Jobs have been created with the construction of a buffalo slaughterhouse, broken houses are being repaired and young people are being trained in carpentry. The construction of a youth centre has not only created a protected space for the young Lakota, but has also become a meeting place for the whole community. OS provides support with food and firewood for the winter and finances youth camps and apprenticeships.

At our stand in the "Little Feather" we will be happy to inform you about the current situation on Pine Ridge and invite you to marvel at our range of jewellery and handicrafts made by our Lakota artists.