The following story was written and reported by Christina Rose, Native Sun
News Associate Editor. All content © Native Sun News.
Neighborhood children gather to play in the tree house made from donations from a Rapid City construction company.
Tree houses and trampolines at Red Shirt Village
By Christina Rose
Native Sun News Associate Editor
RED SHIRT — At last count, there were 70 residents living in the community of Red Shirt Village. The colorful HUD houses of the small community are set against the soaring hills, painting a picturesque view from afar. Upon closer inspection, it’s clear the tiny community is lacking many resources.
The remote community is about 40 miles from Rapid City and 60 miles from downtown Pine Ridge. “We are a forgotten community out here,” Ben Good Buffalo said. According to Susan Two Bulls, the town is so far from any center that gas companies won’t even deliver unless they have orders from several homes. There is no store and only the barest minimum of a playground for the kids. Good Buffalo said, “The school playground across the street is fenced in and the kids get to look at it all weekend long.”
One resident is William Nofziger, a non-tribal member from California who moved to Red Shirt nine years ago and is now raising his Lakota daughter in the community. According to Nofziger and other community members, division on issues and local feuds can sometimes interfere with the children’s ability to play together. Nofziger wanted to create a small park for all the children and the idea brought the children, and then the adults, together.
Nofziger credits a big hearted donor from Rapid City with offering donations of wood for the tree houses, and the trampolines. Now the children all play together on the new equipment and even the adults are coming out and sitting together at the picnic tables.
“He has done wonderful things for the community and we want him to be recognized,” Good Buffalo said. But Nofziger isn’t done yet. He is working towards developing other plans with residents to make this tiny community a place where children can enjoy the simple pleasures that so many others in the country take for granted. For those who might be interested in supporting the community’s efforts, contact Changing Winds at cwadvocacycenter@aol.com.
(Contact Christinarose.sd@gmail.com)
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