2009 Action Plan
Honoring Our Past
Living Our Present
Guiding Our Future
Introduction
Historically, this community was built on what were already campgrounds named
Owl Bonnet by the Lakota, and St. Francis by the Catholic missionaries. With the
support of the United States government, the missionaries built their dorms,
church, and other facilities to make this community a place of education and
spirituality.
Changes occurred in the community over the years, but the families (tiwahe ki)
and the extended families (tiospaye ki) basically remain the same. We have
always had a high level of poverty in this community in the way of health and
welfare. We have, however, a cultural society that allows us to remain a
community (an otunwahe, a place of birth) of good health and peace. We are
determined as a community to reach out to each other and share positive,
constructive thoughts and words to become a true community and to overcome
obstacles collectively to end poverty in our community.
In discussions at recent community meetings, the issues of hardship and
difficulties that we all face – shortage of food, heat, shelter, good health care,
transportation, lack of resources within our community, negative behaviors of
violence and abuse, a lack of respect and compassion – have grown stronger.
The community is now ready for change. We are committed to make positive
changes happen together because we know that poverty breeds crime and
hopelessness.
VISION
At the southern edge of the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota sits a
traditional Native American community called St. Francis. Its members
have re-established relative ties to become supportive of each other
and all the generations that live here in peace. People have taken a
very active role in making their community a place with many
opportunities.
In St. Francis you can walk around safe, clean neighborhoods with
sidewalks and flowers along the edges. You can get involved in the
many social events for families, and continue to learn no matter what
your age. There are plenty of jobs, services, and housing to make the
community self-sufficient. People can stay active and fit by using the
new walking and biking paths. A holistic approach to health honors the
Lakota value of keeping physical, mental, spiritual and intellectual
aspects of life in balance.
People in St. Francis are free to practice their own beliefs. There is
support for high levels of involvement in community decision-making.
The young people of this community are highly valued, and given plenty
of opportunities to learn leadership, volunteerism, and new skills.
St. Francis is a community where people are proud of their Lakota
heritage, and ready to pass on their cultural life styles to future
generations.
MISSION
The St. Francis Horizons team plans to work together to create positive
change in our community. The group knows that to reach the goals set
in this strategic plan, we will need many more people to become
involved and committed. We will promote more leadership in the
community, and use a holistic approach to meeting community
member’s physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs. The
main focus of this plan will be the creation of unity among people who
call St. Francis their home.
Horizons Planning Committee
Antonio Red Feather
Joyce Eagle Deer
Ione Quigley
Kayleen Rose Bordeaux
Patsy Valandra
Darrell Bear Robe
St. Francis Horizons Ideas
(taken from Talking Circles, LeadershipPlenty, and Community Survey of 130+ people)
Talking Circle Ideas (Top 4)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Arcade / Youth Activities
Dog Control
Suicide Prevention / Family Support
Graffiti/Community Clean up
LeadershipPlenty (Top 4)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Family Events/Activities
Sovereignty / Land Issues
City/District Governance Issues
Community Unity
Community Survey (Top 4)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Gang Issues
Graffiti/Community clean up
Youth organized activities
Jobs for people
The Horizons Planning Committee considered these ideas as we developed the
following goals and objectives. We supported ideas that could be accomplished in
the next few years with community involvement. We plan to re-visit the plan in
one year and consider new goals and objectives that seem reasonable to support
our efforts.
Goal #1
To provide culturally based activities promoting the Lakota aspect of
good health (holistic approach) and unity.
Complete 8/09 and continue annually
Objectives:
1. Annual “Celebrating Life” event is held in the summer to bring
families together.
 Tables include health screenings, job resources,
education, veterans, and crafts for sale.
 Food will be served.
 Games and competitions will be held.
 Presentations by speakers.
Evaluate by attendance, event participation, help with event.
Budget: $1500
Goal #2
To clean up St. Francis community and increase the pride residents feel
living here.
Objectives:
1. Hold an annual clean up event which involves many groups and
families around town.
 Organize and advertise event in Spring.
 Line up trucks and trailers to haul trash.
 Get permission from owners to clean up areas.
 Plant flowers in public areas
 Hold community meal for workers.
Completed in Spring ’09 and will continue annually
2. Find a resource to obtain paint that covers graffiti
permanently.
 Connect to Sisseton Horizons group.
 Find people to paint.
Complete by 10/31/09
Evaluate by seeing no more graffiti and less trash in town – take
before and after photos.
Budget: $500
Goal #3
Search for and use business resources to help create more jobs in
St. Francis.
Complete by 12/31/09
Objectives:
1. Provide an “Entrepreneur Fair” where people can learn from
established and successful Native business people.
 Have an area for artists, craftspeople, and other businesses
to set up.
 Bring in forum speakers to address critical start-up issues.
 Eventually establish mentors for new business people.
 Bring in Lakota funding sources for businesses.
 Serve a meal.
Evaluate by attendance, written evaluation, help with event.
Budget: $2500
Goal #4
To focus on young people in the community by using structured
activities and connecting them to their Lakota roots.
Objectives:
1. Build a new play area on the north side of town.
 Find a suitable site.
 Find retailers that sell equipment.
 Find resources to help pay for the park.
 Get volunteers together to build the park.
 Create a parent committee to oversee the park
maintenance and upkeep.
Complete by 6/30/10
The play area is established, families are using it, and photos are taken as
site progresses. Committee is working.
Budget: $2000
2. Construct a community softball field.
 Finalize a site.
 Fundraise for fencing, dugouts, sand, and other
materials.
 Create a youth/adult committee to oversee the
maintenance and upkeep of the field.
Complete by 5/31/09
Field is built and used. Committee maintains it. Photos are taken to view
progress.
Budget: $2000
3. Offer Leadership classes for youth and adults to promote more
leadership in the community.
 Recruit people to commit to taking the classes.
 Find a place to hold classes.
 Train additional teachers/facilitators for the classes.
 Serve a meal with each class.
Complete by 11/30/09
Successful if 20 people fully complete the course. At least three people are
trained as facilitators. People who have gone through the course eventually
take new leadership roles in the community.
Budget: $500
Budget Reserve: $1000 for miscellaneous and for future annual
events.
Operating Procedure:
Any expenditures will be approved by the St. Francis Budget &
Finance Committee, the fiscal agent for the funds. A written
proposal must be submitted for each expenditure and approved
by the B&F Committee. Receipts must be provided after the
money is spent.
The Horizons group will meet monthly on the fourth Monday of
every month. At least one representative from each committee
will be present to give a report.