~American Indians~
Spirit Lake Reservation, ND

Truly a nation within a nation, The Spirit Lake Reservation retains a separate
identity within the borders of the world's most prosperous and developed nation.
The Dakota (Sioux) people who live here dance to the beat of a cultural drum
very different from the world surrounding them.

Reservations are
"sovereign" nations. However, daily lives and affairs are still heavily
influenced, if not controlled outright, by the United States Congress through
the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Unemployment and alcoholism, along with their many
attendant evils, generate an enormous sense of hopelessness and erect a legacy
hurdle very difficult for young people to surmount.

Locals are hospitable
and kind. Although cautious among strangers, they warm to become generous and
caring friends. Laughter, even when times are hard and hearts are wounded, rings
throughout the rez. The American trait of laughing during adversity, or when the
joke is on oneself, probably began among Native Americans who passed it to us
through mountain men, traders, and cowboys.

One can easily see a remnant
of the respect and care once lavished on elderly members of the tribe, and on
tribal warriors, who are always the first to go to war for this country. Sadly,
as the young people adopt the standards sold to them by our increasingly selfish
and materialistic culture, this respect and consideration seems to be
diminishing rapidly.

Ministry Description:
You will spend a significant portion of your time volunteering in service
to a local ministry, church, or organization. Through your internship, you will
become more involved in the community around you as you use your gifts and
talents to bless and reach the Spirit Lake people. Ministry opportunities may
include:
• Staffing at a Christian camp
• Helping to operate feeding programs, food pantries, clothing
ministries
• Assisting pastors with various church responsibilities and
functions
• Interning at a medical clinic
• Tutoring local students in
various subjects
• Coordinating short-term mission teams
• Operating
after-school programs for kids
•Discipling local young people
and adults