About

Pejuta Waste O'Tipi | Good Medicine Lodge is place where people can get their medicine of compassion, rest and be fed. It is guided by the tenants of walking the Red Road and our Lakota Laws. We believe first and foremost "Be A Good Relative".

Pejuta Waste O'Tipi Story

We believe IN -

beING a

good relative

The community is responding in the spirit of being a good relative to the needs of our most vulnerable relatives who are without adequate and nutritious food, permanent housing and basic essentials for living.

Mission Statement:


The mission of Pejuta Waste O'Tipi | Good Medicine Lodge is to help heal our community one meal at a time. We are committed to providing our most vulnerable relatives with safety, hospitality, and compassion, and to assist in identifying resources to meet the needs of the people. Through our dedication and unwavering support, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of our people, fostering self-determination, and a stronger and more resilient community where everyone's needs are met.

What We Believe

The Pejuta Waste O'Tipi "Good Medicine Lodge" is a comprehensive community effort aimed at providing support, resources, and care to vulnerable members of the community. The overarching goal is to foster healing and resilience, addressing various needs through a range of services and programs.


Here's a breakdown of the organizations components and how they are carried out:

  • Advocacy and Reporting

    The initiative supports individuals in reporting injustices such as accidents and assaults, advocating for their rights and well-being.

  • Basic Needs Support

    The initiative goes beyond food provision, offering essential items such as hygiene supplies, clothing suitable for different weather conditions, including job interview attire, and overnight shelter during inclement weather.

  • Day Center Services

    A day center is established, providing a hub for community members to receive assistance with completing applications, accessing economic assistance, and housing support. Volunteers offer guidance and support throughout the process.

  • Community Involvement

    The initiative emphasizes community involvement, with various aspects of the program supported by volunteers from the community, local churches, and organizations. This collective effort ensures the sustainability and effectiveness of the initiative.

  • Cultural Values and Practices

    Central to the initiative are the principles of Lakota Values, including prayer, respect, caring and compassion, honesty and trust, generosity and helping, humility, and wisdom. These values are integrated into the services provided, fostering a sense of cultural identity and community cohesion.

  • Documentation Assistance

    Recognizing the importance of official documentation, the initiative helps individuals obtain identification documents like birth certificates and social security cards, ensuring they have access to vital services and opportunities.

  • Leadership Representation

    The organization actively seeks to elevate the voices and perspectives of Native leaders within its own leadership structures and decision-making processes. By ensuring diverse representation at all levels of leadership, Pejuta Wast O'Tipi challenges traditional power dynamics and fosters a more inclusive and equitable organizational culture.

  • Leadership Training

    Pejuta Wast O'Tipi offers leadership training designed to equip individuals from the community with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become effective leaders and advocates for social justice. The programs provide participants with opportunities for personal growth, skill-building, and mentorship, empowering them to take on leadership roles within the Lodge and their communities driving positive change.

  • Meals Program

    A warm meal is served from 12 to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, ensuring that community members have access to nutritious food. 

  • Peer Support Networks

    Pejuta Wast O'Tipi facilitates peer support networks and mentorship opportunities that enable emerging leaders to learn from and collaborate with experienced activists and community organizers. These networks provide a supportive environment for leadership development, allowing individuals to share knowledge, resources, and strategies for effecting meaningful social change.

  • Resource Coordination

    The initiative assists community members in accessing various resources such as healthcare facilities, court appointments, and government agencies like the DMV and Social Security. This includes providing transportation and support with paperwork and applications.

Overall, the Pejuta Waste O'Tipi "Good Medicine Lodge" initiative offers a holistic approach to community well-being, addressing both immediate needs and long-term healing. By providing a safe, supportive environment rooted in cultural values, the initiative aims to empower individuals and strengthen the fabric of the community.

Our team

The men and women of Pejuta Waste O'Tipi are passionate about our community and providing members with compassion and hospitality.