Cedar Face Foundation

Nearly every family living within the exterior boundaries of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, is affected, directly and/or indirectly by the effects of alcohol, drug addictions, family and community violence, poverty, and the intolerable stresses of managing on a shoe string budget. Many families also have one or more individuals identified with Special Needs issues. The Cedar Face Foundation is driving awareness and calling for action. We hope to achieve the following: 1) Reduce PTSD and Toxic Stress through driving awareness and increasing access to information. 2) Improve family networks and access to appropriate health care providers, 3) Drive awareness of Special Needs issues, ensure access to education , services, 4) Improve the outcomes of those individuals caught up in the legal system, ensuring their civil rights are upheld and appropriate accommodations are afforded each individual, and urging the Tribal Courts to collaborate with us for the benefit of each client.

The Cedar Face Foundation administration and staff work tirelessly each day to advance awareness of Toxic Stress and PTSD the needs of individuals who identify with Special Needs issues. Through our VDOVE program we: 1) Invite and encourage tribal leaders to understand PTSD and Toxic Stress, and drive tribal legislation to impact and reduce the prevalence of family and community violence. 2) Develop and Distribute brochures and public education about PTSD and Toxic STress. 3) Urge local health care professionals to identify and address potential PTSD conditions, and encourage healthy living with every patient. 5) Increase education and knowledge about the needs of individuals identified with Special Needs issues, 6) Cedar Face Foundation Administration is licensed to practice and represents clients on both sides of the legal system to ensure that civil rights of each individual is upheld, accommodations provided f needed, and that the best outcome is obtained.

We have a good working relationship with local and neighboring community providers, health care providers, and provide reports to our local tribal council. The President of the Cedar Face Foundation is licensed to practice law in the Oglala Sioux Tribal Courts, and actively represents clients on both sides of the legal system - civil and criminal. Periodically, we are invited to speak/present about healthy life choices, with in local high school environments, community events, and to international audiences, where we are able to reach out to students, educators, and public stakeholders alike. Further, we also have an online presence, both a website at www.cedarfacefoundation.org, and through FaceBook as well.

Some of the progress that we are achieving is raising the awareness of drug and alcohol addictions' impact on family and child safety throughout the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Our public housing and public safety officers work hand in hand to ensure the safe environment for children throughout the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Another area of progress in our work through the tribal court system, is our drive to engage prosecutor and judge collaboration for restorative justice, which boils down to helping those who recognize they must make changes in their lives, are given the opportunity and the Courts work with them to pursue avenues for self-improvement and healthy lifestyles, including,: alcohol and drug treatment, anger management, and even work and school releases allowing individuals to better themselves and advance their opportunities to create better lives for themselves and their families. This is a work in progress.