In 2019, Pine Ridge Reservation Emergency Relief (PRRER) was established members of the Oglala Lakota Nation. The organization was created in response to a bomb cyclone that dropped three feet of snow, which subsequently melted and caused historic flooding within the reservation. Recognizing the overwhelming need for disaster response that surpassed the capacity of the local government, the founders initially focused on delivering essential resources to those affected by this severe weather event. This disaster ultimately led to a Presidential Disaster Declaration, which opened the door to federal disaster response resources.

In 2024, we broadened our mission from disaster response to encompass Climate, Disaster, and Cultural Resiliency, concentrating on enhancing resiliency one thiyospaye at a time. Through this innovative initiative, we aim to reinforce kinship by developing climate and disaster-ready thiyospaye on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Our approach recognizes that effective disaster recovery cannot be solely achieved by government efforts. By equipping our thiyospaye with the necessary tools, we not only facilitate successful recovery but also foster a more culturally resilient tribal nation, as many of us have drifted from the essential functions of our thiyospaye.