This is about planning for a better future!
In October 2010 the Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation (Thunder Valley CDC) was awarded a $996,100 Sustainable Communities Planning Grant by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The main purpose of the grant was to allow the Thunder Valley CDC to work in partnership with tribal agencies, non-profits, experts in the field, and the Oglala people to develop a Regional Plan for Sustainable Development (the Plan). This plan will serve as the blueprint for investment decisions, both public and private, to support a more sustainable future for the Pine Ridge Reservation of South Dakota.
To create the plan the Planning Team will look at comprehensive ways to integrate housing, land use, economic and workforce development, transportation, and infrastructure investments in a manner that empowers the Oglala Lakota Nation. Among other things, it will consider the interdependent challenges of economic competitiveness and revitalization; social equity, inclusion, and access to opportunity; energy use and climate change; and, public health and environmental impacts.
Two entities have been created to inform and guide the Planning Process: the Consortium and the Steering Committee. These two entities will work closely with regional representatives from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
June 29, 2011
OK…now that the Thunder Valley CDC is allowed to work with the agencies that need to be involved in this project and have been now since October, 2010…the Lakota people are seeing positive changes by now?? What kind of changes are they seeing? farming equipment they need to grow community gardens? New irrigation systems? remodeled and new homes? businesses moving into the area offering employment opportunities? What opportunities are they being offered?
I want to thank you for your comment. All of your questions and ideas will be included in our planning project, Oyate Omniciye. This planning project aims to create a plan for a more sustainable future. We are in the discovery phase of our planning project which means we are collecting data from the partnerships we have made and continue to make. We value all ideas for a better future for the Oglala Lakota Nation. I hope I answered your questions, if not please feel free to contact me by phone or email.
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Thank you for your response… I appreciate your time and mean no disrespect. I was just wondering what positive changes have been made…it has been 8 months..the new growing season is upon us. This is a significant amout of money and I am sure there are people who could benefit from it. Sustainability for these people needs to begin this year..the future. I have not visited the Pine Ridge Reservation but I plan to in the near future and was curious what methods I would see that are creating sustainability. Wind and solar powered energy for example.
I would very much like to be updated on the progress that is being made in the planning phase and beyond. Thank You!
We will include all your ideas and thoughts while we update our website and continue with Oyate Omniciye. If you have any more suggestions on what you would like be updated on do not hesitate to inform us.
Pilamaya yelo,
Dallas
Although I have not been as active as I should be in the planning strategy to improve our reservataion, I still support this initiative as a stepping stone of positive development. For too long as Tribal Members we have heard many words and seen little action (change). I have totally supported the endeavors by Thunder Valley knowing full well that change will not happen overnight but if we don't start someplace we will only continue to talk without action. We all hold a piece of the key to development and change and now we must step foward to see our dream materialize. From our office we are working toward change, from thunder valley they are planning for change, the challenge is there but giving up is not an option, hurdles are overcome every step of the way and someday soon we will reach the goals we set. Good work, keep going to all of you at Thunder Valley. PEOPLE NEED TO GET INVOLVED STOP COMPLAINING AND ASK HOW CAN I HELP.
Please consider approaching The Clinton Foundation for any assistance they can be to this project. They are being of help to so many, perhaps their expertise might be useful. I would like to be notified of progress on this project, if possible, by email. Thank you.