New women and children's shelter opens on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

By The Associated Press | Sunday, May 13, 2007

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KYLE -- A new shelter has opened on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to help victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, replacing one that opened 10 years ago.

The 7,800-square-foot building cost $1.25 million and can house up to 36 women and children. It also has offices for administration and counseling services.

"We're seeing more situations where women have received information about domestic violence and they're leaving before they're assaulted," said Cangleska Director Karen Artichoker.

Cangleska also runs a shelter in Rapid City.

Funding for the Kyle building came through loans, grants and donations from: USDA Rural Development, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Medicine Root District, All Tribes Foundation, Jane Fonda, Rosanne Barr Foundation, Native American Bank, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, V-Day and Eve Ensler.

One woman said that besides offering protection, the shelter will help build the self esteem of women who've been told they're worth nothing, Artichoker said.

"No shelter, no matter how nice it is, can ever replace a home. But we hope that women and their children will feel comfortable here, will be able to get some breathing space," she said. "I think when children are comfortable and they have the space to roam it lessens conflict and makes women feel more at ease."

Which helps the mothers make better decisions, Artichoker said.

On the Net:

Cangleska, Inc. http://www.cangleska.org