More than a hundred youth and adults gathered behind the OST Tribal building on Thursday, June 16, to watch a free movie provided free of charge by the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Photo courtesy Eileen Janis
Pine Ridge Outdoor Movie Success
By Brandon Ecoffey
Lakota Country Times Editor
www.lakotacountrytimes.com PINE RIDGE -- With summer in full swing the Oglala Sioux Tribe came together to provide a night of fun for the youth of Pine Ridge village. More than a hundred youth and adults gathered behind the OST Tribal building on Thursday, June 16, to watch a free movie provided free of charge by the Oglala Sioux Tribe. In addition to having a movie screened on the back wall of the tribal building those in attendance were provided with a meal and snacks. The event itself was initiated by Alice Perkins of the OST Employee Assistance Program but required the coordination and cooperation of multiple tribal programs according to Wakpamni District representative Jackie Siers. "The purpose of this event is to get families involved with their children to enjoy time together," said Siers. "Alice Perkins from the OST Employee Assistance Program is kicking off a series of great events that are going to be carried out throughout the reservation. It is something that she had wanted to do for quite some time," she added. Perkins confirmed Siers' assertions that the idea had been brewing for quite sometime. "She (Siers) lives near me and we have gotten together in the past and put a movie up outside of our home for the kids to watch," said Perkins. "I always thought that it would be nice if something similar could be done for kids all over," added Perkins.
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According to Perkins the movie night that took place in Pine Ridge last week is the first in a series of events that will take place in each district on the reservation. Throughout the summer OST will bring the movies to each district in the hopes of providing a safe alternative for youth across the reservation. "We don't want this to be just a one time thing. We are trying to find a way so that the districts can continue do this on their own," said Perkins. During the summer months many children are left with time on their hands. The event could not have been possible had it not been for the willingness of multiple tribal programs to pool both resources and manpower. Those who participated included Health education, Sweet grass program, Emergency youth program, Health administration, Housing authority, Tawacin Ohokila, Ehanke Wicokan, OST Diabetes Program. The next stop for the outdoor movie night will be in Wanblee this weekend. (Contact Brandon Ecoffey at editor@lakotacountrytimes.com) Find the award-winning Lakota Country Times on the Internet, Facebook and Twitter and download the new Lakota Country Times app today.
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