Winter Blessings from Kunsi Keya Tamakoce!

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -

That perches in the soul -

And sings the tune without the words -

And never stops - at all -

~Emily Dickinson

Hope is what has sustained us during this difficult year. Hope and faith are the things that sustain us in our daily spiritual practice. Despite the pandemic, or maybe to spite it, we planted seeds in the garden, tomatoes, garlic, broccoli, and pumpkins galore. We planted with the hope that our bounty would grow and blossom it did. 

For those of you who don’t know us, Kunsi Keya Tamakoce is a non-profit organization founded over 30 years ago by Beverly Little Thunder, a two-spirit Lakota elder and enrolled member of the Standing Rock Band. Our work centers on Native/ Indigenous women, two-spirit and trans people, and women of color.

Each member of our dear community has faced difficulties. We have faced the pandemics of racism and police violence and the deadly COVID-19 virus. Many have been impacted directly, some have had friends and family fall ill, and some have faced the loss of loved ones. Throughout these challenging months, we have prayed for you. We have held on to our faith, and we have learned new ways to remain connected. 

This year, our Sundance Ceremony took the form of a virtual prayer ceremony beautifully led by Lushanya Echeverria and an amazing team of women. The 8-day ceremony maintained the integrity of the Kunsi Keya vision, Lakota teachings, and a deep connection to Spirit.


Continuing our online gatherings, 
the New Jersey Lodge is holding virtual pipe ceremonies every month.  The Fall Teaching Series, Kunsi Keya Speaks, offered Lakota teachings led by Beverly Little Thunder and Lushanya Echeverria. The next teaching series will be offered in Spring 2021. To expand on these teachings and strengthen our connection, we will be launching Kunsi Keya Speaks - The Newsletter, which will be published quarterly starting in January 2021.

While we didn't meet in person, the land was held and cared for, the arbor nurtured and repairs made, grass mowed, and equipment maintained all with loving intention, awaiting your return. Our community, each and every one of you, are our feathers. You are the Hope that perches on and in our hearts.

We are humbly asking for your financial support, your tax-deductible donations will ensure that this vision, these teachings, and this land can be maintained for not just us, but for those yet to come. We have been blessed with a matching funds offer allowing the first $10,000 we raise to be doubled. This means that $10,000 will actually be $20,000!

These are challenging times and we are grateful to feel the connection, love, and support of this community. Please donate generously and help us reach our goal to raise $10,000 to sustain our future, remembering that every dollar will be matched.  You can also mail a check payable to Kunsi Keya Tamakoce, P.O. Box 55 Huntington, VT 05462.

In order to fly, a bird needs all its feathers. Together, in Hope, we will not stop, and we will continue to fly.

Mitakuye Oyasin,

The KKT Board

Pam Alexander  *  Ama Chandra *  Marýa Wethers 

Ann Benedetto * Miriam Bowden * Bonnie Giebfried * Kate Newburger