Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

We are reaching out to you today with an urgent request to support Kiya, a brave young woman who has been through an incredibly challenging journey. Kiya was the recipient of a life-saving liver transplant surgery in October of 2021 after a tragic incident on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Currently, Kiya faces ongoing health challenges and needs our help to relocate to a healthier environment and be closer to her medical care provider at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Kiya, an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, lives on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The reservation is a dry area where alcohol is illegal, but unfortunately, access to illegal substances remains a challenge. After returning to her first year of high school post-pandemic, Kiya and her peers gathered and consumed alcohol, leading to a heartbreaking turn of events. One of the youth obtained a bottle sold as vodka from a local bootlegger, which turned out to be rubbing alcohol. After consuming three sips, Kiya became critically ill, fell into toxic shock, and eventually required a liver transplant.

Since the transplant, Kiya has faced multiple health challenges, including issues with organ rejection. She requires regular treatment at the Mayo Hospital in Rochester, MN, to manage her condition and ensure her well-being. Unfortunately, the distance from Pine Ridge to Rochester makes it challenging for Kiya to receive consistent care, and the need for relocation has become increasingly urgent.

We aim to raise funds to help Kiya with transportation expenses, the purchase of a reliable used vehicle, and assistance with housing and relocation. By moving to Rochester, Kiya will be in a healthier environment and closer to her medical care provider, significantly improving her chances of recovery and leading a more stable life.

· Transportation Expenses: To ensure Kiya and her family can travel safely to and from medical appointments.

· Used Vehicle Purchase: A reliable used vehicle is essential for regular travel between their new home and the hospital.

· Housing Assistance: Funds will help cover rental deposits, initial rent payments, and other relocation-related expenses.

· Relocation Costs: Moving expenses, including packing, transportation, and settling into a new home.

Your generous contributions can make a significant difference in Kiya's life. Every dollar raised will bring her one step closer to a healthier future and the stability she desperately needs. We understand that times are tough for many, and any amount you can spare will be deeply appreciated.

· Donate: Any amount you can contribute will go directly towards covering the costs outlined above.

· Share: Please share Kiya's story with your friends, family, and social networks to help us reach our goal.

· Encourage: Words of encouragement and support mean the world to Kiya and her family during this challenging time.

Kiya is a resilient young woman with dreams of a brighter future. Together, we can help her achieve a healthier, more stable life by ensuring she has access to the care she needs and a supportive environment. Thank you for taking the time to read Kiya's story and for any support you can provide.

Kiya.life began as a grassroots organization running a family traditional pow-wow 15 years ago.  Today we not only host the annual Chief Old Man Afraid of His Horses Traditional Pow-wow we also host numerous youth activities and community building projects.  In November of 2023 Kiya.life "Keeping Indigenous Youth Alive became an Official 501c3 Non-Profit Organization.

We are seeking funds to help with the organizational cost associated with operating a non-profit.  Contributions are greatly appreciated.

Kiya.life (Keeping Indigenous Youth Alive) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Our organization is dedicated to supporting and empowering Indigenous youth by providing them with resources, opportunities, and safe spaces to thrive.

We propose the construction of a small 16’ x 24’ log cabin to serve as a multi-purpose space for Kiya.life activities and as a model for a small housing initiative. The cabin will be built using logs and boards milled with our portable sawmill, showcasing sustainable building practices and addressing the critical housing shortage on the reservation.

The primary objectives of this project are:

· To create a dedicated space for Kiya.life programs and activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging among Indigenous youth.

· To demonstrate an affordable and sustainable housing solution that can be replicated to address the housing needs of young adults and able-bodied veterans on the reservation.

· To provide hands-on training and skill development opportunities for local youth in construction and woodworking, promoting self-sufficiency and pride in their heritage.

The log cabin will be constructed on a designated site within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, ensuring accessibility and convenience for the nonprofit’s activities.

The log cabin will measure 16 feet by 24 feet, providing ample space for various activities and gatherings. The design will incorporate traditional and modern elements, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Indigenous community while ensuring functionality and sustainability.

Logs and boards will be milled on-site using our portable sawmill, minimizing costs and environmental impact. Local volunteers and skilled craftsmen will be involved in the construction process, fostering community engagement and ownership.

The estimated total cost for the construction of the log cabin is $30,000. This includes:

· Materials (logs, boards, insulation, roofing, etc.): $15,000

· Labor (skilled craftsmen, volunteers): $10,000

· Tools and equipment: $3,000

· Contingency: $2,000

The project is expected to be completed within six months from the commencement of construction. The timeline includes:

· Site preparation: 1 month

· Milling and material preparation: 2 months

· Construction: 3 months

The construction of this log cabin represents a significant step towards addressing the housing crisis on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and providing a safe, nurturing space for Indigenous youth. By supporting this project, you will be contributing to the empowerment and well-being of the community, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.

Thank you for considering our proposal. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss this project further and explore potential funding partnerships.

Sincerely,

Robert Runnels

Treasurer/Construction Project Coordinator

Kiya.life

robert@kiya.life