Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center

Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center Fostering mutual trust, respect and understanding while addressing the deep poverty that exists on the reservation.
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Today brings Pastor Dan Johnson to Dresser, WI @ Peace Lutheran Church.
06/14/2026

Today brings Pastor Dan Johnson to Dresser, WI @ Peace Lutheran Church.

Every June 14th, we celebrate the Stars and Stripes on Flag Day. While we’re all familiar with the United States’ flag, ...
06/14/2026

Every June 14th, we celebrate the Stars and Stripes on Flag Day. While we’re all familiar with the United States’ flag, we might not know all of the history behind this symbol.

To celebrate, we wanted to share a few fun facts about the history of the flag that might surprise you:

🔹 The current 50-star design was created by a 17-year-old. Robert G. Heft of Lancaster, Ohio, submitted the design as a high school project in 1958. It was chosen by President Eisenhower out of more than 3,000 submissions in 1960.

🔹 There have been 27 official versions of the flag. Twenty-five of those changes were solely to update the number of stars every time a new state joined the Union. The star additions were admitted on July 4th, and, together, they give us a rich visual history of the country's growth over time.

🔹 The colors for the flag have taken on their own meanings over the years. Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774, suggested that red represents hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

🔹 Six American flags have been planted on the moon. Neil Armstrong and Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin were the first, but five additional Apollo missions have also left a flag on the lunar surface.

🔹 The current design is the longest-running version in history. No new states have been added since Hawaii joined the union in 1959, making this the most enduring flag design the country has ever had.

Wishing you a wonderful Flag Day filled with pride and appreciation for the history behind the flag we share.

Our staff is working hard to make sure the center is ready for guests this summer. The building is 25 years old and has ...
06/08/2026

Our staff is working hard to make sure the center is ready for guests this summer. The building is 25 years old and has served us well. Over the winter and spring, we refreshed several rooms with new paint, furniture, and beds. With the help of a grant, we also updated the HVAC system and improved ventilation in the kitchen.
We have six guest rooms and can host up to 28 people on a trip, although many of our groups are closer to 12 to 15.
Thanks to a generous donor, we have also upgraded our transportation. The days of picking up guests in a 15-passenger van with no room for luggage are over. No more holding your bags on your lap for the entire ride. We are excited to offer the Chrissy bus for our groups this summer—so spacious that even Pastor Dan can stand up in it. It has plenty of luggage space, individual reclining bucket seats, a television, and a built-in PA system. Kim is especially excited to use it to take guests to cultural sites.
Along with updating the building, we have added new experiences for our guests. Kim can help groups learn to make fry bread for Indian tacos, and we are working with new speakers while refining some of our cultural visits. We are also strengthening pre-trip preparation by creating new resources, and we highly recommend a pre-trip Zoom meeting with Kim or Pastor Dan.

Pastor Dan is at West Side Moravian Church today.
06/07/2026

Pastor Dan is at West Side Moravian Church today.

This spring, we added several new parts to the kid's time program. One is a weekly drum group, where our instructor Howa...
05/26/2026

This spring, we added several new parts to the kid's time program. One is a weekly drum group, where our instructor Howard teaches the children traditional drumming and songs. But the program is about more than music. The relationship Howard builds with the children is what makes it so meaningful. The kids time staff prepares a meal for everyone and joins Howard and the children in drumming and singing.

Another new program brings in an elder to help the children make and sew ribbon skirts. These skirts are worn for ceremonies, and we are excited that the girls will have theirs ready for the powwows this summer. But again, the value goes beyond the sewing itself. It is about having someone share stories, show interest, and remind these children that they are seen.

If they could, many of the children would be at our building seven days a week. They come not only for food and activities, but because they know we care about them. Our staff listens to them, supports them, and helps them build basic life skills. Earlier this year, Patty taught the children how to make chocolate chip cookies from scratch, and they loved it—though I was disappointed not to get any cookies myself. We have also taught them how to make fry bread and are helping them learn basic cooking skills. But as with the drumming and the ribbon skirts, the real value is not just the activity. It is the time and care that help these children feel seen, heard, and welcomed.

In honor of Memorial Day, we invite you to join us in taking time to remember and honor the brave men and women who made...
05/24/2026

In honor of Memorial Day, we invite you to join us in taking time to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country and preserve our freedom.

Please note that the center will be open all weekend.

Wishing you a respectful and meaningful Memorial Day.

Our team wants to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms, grandmothers, and other maternal figures out there....
05/10/2026

Our team wants to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms, grandmothers, and other maternal figures out there.

From the late nights of the newborn stage to the late nights waiting up for teens, we owe moms a debt of gratitude — and sleep!

So whether you’re a mother yourself, you’re celebrating your mom, honoring your partner, or recognizing another maternal figure in your life, we hope this day is full of appreciation.

Standing together for justice means raising awareness about the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP)....
05/06/2026

Standing together for justice means raising awareness about the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP). For generations, Indigenous families and communities have called attention to the disproportionate violence impacting their loved ones.

Behind every statistic is a life—someone’s child, parent, sibling, or friend. By sharing stories, uplifting Indigenous voices, supporting community resources, and advocating for systemic change, we honor those lost and stand with families seeking answers.

MMIP is not just an Indigenous issue—it’s a human rights issue. Let’s continue to learn, listen, and walk forward together toward justice, safety, and healing.

Happy Star Wars Day! We couldn't let the day pass without joining the celebration.May the 4th (...er, the force) be with...
05/04/2026

Happy Star Wars Day! We couldn't let the day pass without joining the celebration.

May the 4th (...er, the force) be with you! And if you’re a Star Wars fan like we are, tell us your favorite part of the Star Wars universe.

This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we are highlighting an important distinction: the difference between men...
05/01/2026

This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we are highlighting an important distinction: the difference between mental health and mental health conditions.

Many people think these terms mean the same thing, but they don't. Understanding the distinction can help us take better care of ourselves and support others more effectively.

Here is the difference:

💚Mental health is universal - Everyone has mental health. It includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects how you think, feel, and act in daily life.

💚Mental health conditions are specific - These are diagnosable disorders like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). More than 50% of people will receive a mental health diagnosis at some point.

💚Good mental health and mental illness can coexist - Many people living with mental health conditions have periods of strong mental well-being through treatment, support, and self-care.

💚Poor mental health does not always mean mental illness - You can experience poor mental health due to stress, burnout, grief, or life transitions without having a diagnosable condition.

💚Simple ways to care for your mental health - Find coping skills that work for you. These could include journaling, deep breathing, moving your body, or spending time with loved ones.

💚Professional support is available - Therapy can benefit anyone, not just those with diagnosed conditions.

If you need support, please reach out to a health care professional. Help is available, and you're not alone.

Address

92 East Main Street
Pine Ridge, SD
57770

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 2pm

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