A Story of Thunder Valley Community Develop Corporation of the Oglala Lakota Nation:
Tribal Community Creates a Resilient and Sustainable Community in One of the Harshest Environments Pt 2
Hoxie Collective Master design for Oglala Lakota Sustainable Regional Plan
Note: In part 1, we delved into Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation's mission to address challenges faced by the Pine Ridge Reservation community in South Dakota. Led by Executive Director Tatewin Means, the organization's deep community understanding drives positive change.
Exploring systemic issues and historical injustices, Thunder Valley CDC launched a community organizing effort over a decade ago. Through a Strategic Plan based on cultural heritage and a 7-generation concept, they aim to build resilience and sustainability.
Part 2 unveils the Thunder Valley Annual Report (2023) featuring strategic initiatives. Despite space constraints, out of the 8 total initiatives we focus on 3 key areas: Housing and Home Ownership, Regenerative Community Development, and Food Sovereignty.
Courtesy of Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation
The Thunder Valley Community Develop Corporation emphasizes Housing and Home Ownership and Regenerative Community Development, showcasing shared priorities. Key areas of focus encompass building design, community planning, landscaping, public and recreational space design, wayfinding, signage, and environmental sustainability.
Courtesy of Hoxie Collective Master design
The Housing and Home Ownership initiative focuses on empowering individuals to build community wealth through asset building. Despite relying solely on volunteers due to lack of staff, the initiative has made significant strides. In 2023, two additional homes were sold, and programs like Building Native Communities Financial Literacy and Credit When Credit is Due have been established.
The initiative offers credit coaching and financial literacy programs such as Pathways to Homes: 1st time Homebuyers. A dedicated credit coach assists individuals in overcoming poor credit. The partnership with Lakota Funds and Mazaka, two locally led lending institutions, underscores the commitment to facilitating homeownership opportunities.
Courtesy of Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation
Lakota Funds has expanded its programs to include business lending aimed at starting and growing reservation businesses. Their mission is to support entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into reality. One highlight is the Agriculture Loan, which is open to Native American farmers, ranchers, and gardeners, providing the necessary capital to launch new operations or expand existing ones. Lakota Funds is the only financial institution to become a Farm Service Agency (FSA) lender, demonstrating a strong commitment to growing this sector for the local economy and improving food access.
Another loan option is the small business loan, which offers amounts up to $25,000 at a fixed rate of 6% over 15 years. They also provide loans up to $200,000 at the same rate. This strategy targets entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small business incubators, aiming to build a robust community base.
Courtesy of Home Grown Stories, 2022
Karlene Hunter is the founder of Native American Natural Foods, a company that produces preservative-free buffalo snacks under the brand Tanka Bar. The recipe, called wasna, involves smoking buffalo meat and mixing it with berries. This traditional recipe was used by the Lakota hundreds of years ago to keep hunters full during their journeys. The company sources its buffalo from Native ranchers and farmers exclusively.
The Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial Group provides homeownership guidance for Oglala Sioux and Lakota Tribal veterans. They offer opportunities for veterans living on the Pine Ridge Reservation to construct or renovate homes through the Native American Direct Loan (NADL) Program from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This program is specifically designed for veterans living on Indian reservations and covers various types of housing, including manufactured, modular, stick-built, and Governor's homes.
Courtesy of Kristina Smallhorn
Manufactured homes are prefabricated and assembled in a factory, then shipped to the site in one or two pieces known as single wide or double wide units. They tend to depreciate in value because they are essentially mobile homes without wheels. Often, these homes are left on a chassis with the tongue and axle removed, and sometimes they are placed on a concrete pad.
Local jurisdictions have code zoning requirements, and lenders often require a permanent foundation for participation in their programs. This is to ensure the home is less like a mobile home or trailer, which are often perceived as temporary or less stable housing options. Dave Ramsey calls these cars you sleep in. By requiring a permanent foundation, the home is more likely to be viewed as a long-term, stable residence and security for both the homeowner and the lender.
Courtesy of Kristina Smallhorn
Modular homes are built in a factory in sections called modules, which resemble cubed-shaped boxes. These sections are constructed to meet the specifications of the Universal Building Code (UBC) and the International Building Code (IBC), ensuring they function like traditionally built homes. Once built, the modules are shipped and assembled on-site. Because they are permanent structures, modular homes are financed and appraised similarly to regular homes, allowing them to appreciate in value.
Modular homes can withstand winds up to 175 miles per hour, as evidenced by a FEMA study conducted after Hurricane Andrew in Florida (August 2012). The concept of modular homes dates back over 100 years. One of the earliest examples were mail-order pre-built kits from Sears, known as "Modern Homes." These panelized homes, which buyers could assemble themselves, offered 400 different designs to choose from.
Courtesy of Native American Sustainable Housing Initiative
A stick-built home is a wooden house constructed on-site, with "sticks" referring to the wooden structure of the walls and roof. This traditional method of construction is also known as wood frame building.
The Governor’s House, part of the South Dakota Housing Hallmark Program, is designed for low-maintenance and independent living, potentially referencing "aging in place" principles. These homes are marketed as affordable options for low-income individuals. As prebuilt homes, Governor's Houses range in size from 1,008 to 1,200 square feet.
Courtesy of South Dakota Housing Hallmark Program
Courtesy of the University of Boulder Colorado
The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation's creation of Thunder Valley Regenerative Community Development was initiated by Nick Tilsen, who was featured as a speaker at the 2018 Resilient Communities Symposium and served as the executive director at the time. Launched in 2010, Thunder Valley CDC's mission focused on sustainable design, affordable housing solutions, and food sovereignty. The project's methodology and partnership cultivation drew significant interest.
Thunder Valley CDC's efforts centered around a 34-acre planned development aimed at creating a resilient and sustainable community. With a $60 million investment for the 10-year project, the initiative aimed to generate off-grid energy, reclaim water resources, achieve food sovereignty, and foster regenerative community and economic development. These efforts have led to additional projects and partnerships that continue to align with the core mission.
The Native American Sustainable Housing Initiative (NASHI) was launched during this time in partnership with the University of Colorado at Boulder. This collaboration provided college students with service-learning opportunities to offer design and building services to South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation. The CU Boulder College of Architecture and Planning developed a curriculum that combined design, social science, and hands-on service work. Professor Rob Pyatt, from the Senior Environmental Design Program, described this approach as addressing "the triple bottom line of social, environmental, and economic impact" (HUD Case Study). Pyatt collaborated with Dr. Martinez, a Professor of American Indian Studies, and Gerald One Feather, the tribal president of the Oglala Lakota Nation, founder of Oglala Lakota College, and a partner in the School of Mines and Technology. Together, their efforts helped the program to flourish.
More than 40 houses were constructed under the Thunder Valley Regenerative Community Development, with four environmentally sustainable house designs deployed (HUD case study). By 2021, 14 more houses were completed. The exact number of new builds currently exists remains unclear.
Sustainable construction design was implemented through student projects, utilizing materials and methods such as straw bale, structural insulated panels (SIPs), and advanced wood framing. Net-zero energy design principles were emphasized, focusing on energy audits, lumber reduction, low cost, and carbon-neutral building materials. Insulation materials included industrial hemp, foam core, and straw. The use of solar panels and insulating straw bale walls resulted in net-zero energy use, meaning that the homes' average metered energy consumption would be zero watts or less annually. This design saves residents money on energy costs, allowing them to allocate funds to other necessities (HUD Case Study).
Courtesy of Hemp-Architecture
Industrial hemp is a natural, plant-based, non-toxic, and pest-resistant material with high thermal mass and low conductivity, which helps regulate thermal performance. This means it can store or release heat, thereby lowering energy costs and aiding in temperature control. Additionally, it is carbon neutral, making it an environmentally friendly building material. Given its beneficial properties, industrial hemp is likely to become a trending material in the planning and building sectors.
Courtesy of Gen Pro Energy
"The goal of this development is to produce 100% of the energy needed for the community," said Thunder Valley Executive Director Nick Tilsen. "And if we’re going to walk our talk and if we’re going to live our Indigenous values, then we need to be creating energy systems that have less of a negative impact on the environment" (Gen Pro Energy). Gen Pro partnered with Thunder Valley in implementing these systems and taught community members how to install solar panels. This partnership is ongoing, continuing to support the development's energy sustainability goals.
Courtesy of Gen Pro Energy
“Out of the 8 initiatives, the Housing Regenerative Community Development is the most visible because it involves the actual construction, planning, and design of the 34-acre development," said Tatewin Means, Executive Director of Thunder Valley, in an interview with The Architectural League of New York (2021).
Courtesy of Dan Eddie, Design of Northeast Area Plan
Courtesy of Dan Eddie, Design of Northwest Area Play Area
Ariel view of Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation, 2019.
Tatewin Means highlighted the shifting from tribal trust land to fee-simple land. Fee-simple land means private ownership without US government approval for transactions. While this provides more flexibility, it also comes with state and federal tax obligations. In contrast, tribal trust land, (a traditional model for tribal lands) is exempt from state and federal taxes and is held in trust by the US government, where land transactions require government approval because the government retains the title. This shift helps overcome previous barriers, but maintenance and operational responsibilities, along with tax implications, are important considerations for the community.
The "tremendously high tax percentage" Tatewin Means refers to indicates a significant property tax burden relative to the median home value. This high percentage can be particularly challenging in impoverished areas where property values may be lower, but tax rates remain high, exacerbating financial difficulties for homeowners.
The property tax rate is typically calculated by dividing the median real estate tax paid by the median home value. According to the graphic, this rate ranges from 0% (in white) to 2% (in dark purple), with higher rates indicating a greater financial burden relative to home values. In the context of Thunder Valley CDC's development, addressing this issue involves strategizing on how to manage and potentially alleviate these tax burdens to support homeowners effectively.
Courtesy of The Motely Fool
Here is a clearer picture of the property tax situation in South Dakota, particularly in the context of the Oglala Lakota County:
South Dakota's Property Tax Rate: The statewide rate is 1.22%. For a median home value of $207,000, this translates to a median real estate tax of approximately $2,528. South Dakota ranks 18th highest in the nation for property tax rates.
Oglala Lakota County Specifics: Data from the South Dakota Property Tax Statistic Report of 2022 indicates that agricultural land in Oglala Lakota County has a taxable value of $261.51 per acre. This is the 3rd lowest out of 65 counties, suggesting relatively low property taxes for agricultural land compared to other counties.
Despite the lower agricultural tax rate, the challenge for Thunder Valley CDC and the community involves navigating these rates and their implications for homeowners, especially in a region with limited financial resources.
Courtesy of South Dakota Statistical Report, 2023 page 50.
The study from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy provides important context for South Dakota's taxation landscape:
Lack of State Income Taxes: South Dakota is 1 of only 7 states with no state individual income tax and 1 of 4 without a general corporate income tax. This absence of state-level income taxes means that state revenue is limited.
Dependence on Property Taxes: Due to the limited state aid, which is primarily directed towards education, local governments, especially counties, rely heavily on property taxes to generate revenue. This reliance can place a significant financial burden on property owners, particularly in counties like Oglala Lakota, where property valuations and tax rates are lower.
The combination of lower real estate valuations in Oglala Lakota County and the heavy reliance on property taxes due to the lack of state income taxes contributes to the financial challenges faced by homeowners in the area.
Courtesy of Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
South Dakota's tax system provides preferential treatment for agricultural property, which significantly impacts the effective tax rates:
Preferential Taxation for Agriculture:
Productivity Value System: Agricultural property is assessed at a favorably low value based on its productivity, rather than its market value. This use value system results in lower tax assessments for agricultural lands.
Lower School District Tax Rates: School district property tax rates for agricultural land are lower compared to those for other types of property, such as residential or commercial.
These mechanisms together ensure that the effective tax rate on agricultural property is lower than that for owner-occupied homes or commercial, utility, and non-owner-occupied residential properties.
Overall Tax Burden:
State and Local Tax Burden: South Dakota’s overall state and local tax burden is relatively low compared to other states. Although property tax as a share of state-local general revenue is higher than the U.S. average, the per capita property tax burdens and property tax relative to personal income are lower than national averages.
Effective Property Tax Rate: The effective property tax rate on owner-occupied housing in South Dakota is above the national average, indicating a higher tax burden for homeowners compared to agricultural property owners.
This tax structure reflects a broader trend where agricultural properties benefit from lower effective tax rates, while residential properties, particularly owner-occupied homes, face a higher tax burden relative to national averages.
Courtesy of Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
According to the Department of Revenue’s Tribal Report for July 2023, Oglala Lakota County operates under a Comprehensive Tax Collection Agreement. This agreement includes sales tax, use tax, contractors excise tax, and tourism tax, indicating a range of tax responsibilities beyond just property taxes.
Courtesy of Dept of Revenue, Tribal Report, July 2023
Indeed, there are limitations, exemptions, and specific applications for different tax types within the tribal jurisdiction of Oglala Lakota County. Not all businesses are subject to sales tax, and the exact application of various taxes can vary. Additionally, the difficulty in accessing detailed financial information for Oglala Lakota County and the Pine Ridge Reservation adds a layer of complexity in obtaining precise data.
The lack of financial reporting in Thunder Valley’s Annual Report further complicates efforts to find verifiable answers, making any findings in this area speculative. This situation underscores the need for better transparency and access to financial data to accurately assess the economic impact and tax implications for the community.
Food Sovereignty
Courtesy of Sioux Falls Journal
The Pine Ridge Reservation, with its 50 by 90-mile area, faces significant challenges related to food access. Residents must drive 85 miles to Rapid City to access fresh fruits and vegetables, highlighting the reservation's status as a food desert. The limited local options include a single stop-n-shop gas station and a small grocery store. With a population of 33,000 enrolled tribal members, the reservation is the 3rd poorest county in the US, compounding existing health risks.
The Food Sovereignty initiative aims to create regenerative food systems that enhance health, support the planet, and foster prosperity, aligning with Thunder Valley's original mission. Food Sovereignty is a movement focused on empowering communities to define and control their own food and agriculture systems, emphasizing health, sustainability, and cultural relevance.
Key aspects of Food Sovereignty include:
Building Capacity: Strengthening local food providers and systems.
Control Over Resources: Gaining control over land, water, seeds, and other essential resources.
Reducing Dependence: Minimizing reliance on external food sources.
Fighting Food Injustices: Addressing food inequities through grassroots activism.
Coined by La Via Campesina, an international peasant movement, in 1996, Food Sovereignty is distinct from related concepts like food justice and food security. While all three focus on improving food systems, Food Sovereignty specifically centers on the rights of people to control their own food systems and address broader systemic issues.
The Food Sovereignty initiative at Thunder Valley CDC includes several key components in action:
Regenerative Food Systems and Learning Labs: These are central to the initiative’s mission.
Geothermal Greenhouse: A sustainable facility for growing food.
Large Gardens: Two sizable gardens support local food production.
Chicken Farming: They maintain a flock of 500 chickens.
Educational Events: Regular events are held to promote learning and engagement.
Lakota Food Sovereignty Coalition Annual Lakota Food Summit: An annual event to advance food sovereignty and connect with the community. Permaculture remains a connective tissue.
These efforts collectively aim to enhance food security, sustainability, and community empowerment.
Courtesy of Lakota Funds
Steps towards traditional approaches to food, culture, and health are reflected in the secured lease on 40,000 acers in the Badlands (2023). The project has two goals:
Regenerating Biodiversity: By reintroducing buffalo to the land, the project aims to restore ecological balance and support a diverse range of plant and animal species.
Bison Restoration and Sustenance: The effort to restore bison populations not only honors cultural traditions but also provides a vital source of nourishment for the community, aligning with their broader goals of food sovereignty and self-sufficiency through economic development and workforce training.
Courtesy of Andy Gott
The Hoxie Collective in partnership with Hubbard Studio, hosted a workshop in 2019 titled Fostering Culture through Landscape Design. This workshop focused on stories and significance that plants hold for the communities. The feedback received at this workshop led to several key outcomes. Planting guidelines were established to honor the culture values and environmental needs. A plant palette was created. A soil health strategy formulated. The maintenance and improvement of soil health is essential for regenerative agriculture. These elements were developed in collaboration with Syntax Design, emphasizing a holistic approach to landscape design that integrates cultural significance with regenerative practice.
Courtesy of American Roundtable.
In 2023, 200 chickens were given away to community members to make way for the next brood. Because 60% of waste at dumps on Pine Ridge Reservation is food, to tackle this issue, they are developing thermal composting infrastructure. This approach, rooted in permaculture principles, aims to recycle food scraps, enrich the soil, and promote sustainable food production by retaining nutrients and preventing runoff.
Additionally in 2023, BioRise, supported by South Dakota Biotech, received $150,000 in growth accelerator funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration. This grant is intended to foster partnerships with Native American communities, including Thunder Valley CDC, Missouri Breaks Industries Research, and Oglala Lakota College. The goal is to enhance fresh food production, marketing, and health research activities, ultimately addressing food sovereignty and health challenges within these communities.
The food sovereignty initiative aims to foster local entrepreneurship on Pine Ridge Reservation by mentoring both new and existing businesses. The focus will be on developing enterprises that produce, market, and distribute fresh food within the community. The Paulson Center at Dakota State University will provide essential support through entrepreneurial workshops covering customer discovery, business planning, investor pitching, and financial concepts.
With the new stage 2 funding, the initiative will further strengthen connections with tribal communities, organizations, and innovators. This will enhance Indigenous access to rural healthcare and food systems. Joni Ekstrum, Executive Director of South Dakota Biotech emphasized, “the objective of this funding is that Native American innovators are part of the solution and will gain connections to the previously established innovation network inside South Dakota and beyond. This federal investment is a win for the state by driving more equitable and cohesive innovation.”
Courtesy of Sioux Falls.
Lastly 2023, the USDA extended a partnership with Thunder Valley that involved visits to their land to gain insight into their food sovereignty efforts and explore how USDA programs could support these efforts. The projects include reviving traditional foods like bison and wild timpsila (prairie turnips), as well as experimenting with modern crops and season-extending agriculture techniques.
Through a permaculture approach, they are cultivating wild chokecherry trees adjacent to chicken coops and a geothermal greenhouse, which together supply eggs and produce to the community.
Courtesy of Willie White
In conclusion, Pine Ridge Reservation has seen significant improvements and triumphs in a short time. Although challenges remain, the strength of partnerships and community-led organizing has established a solid foundation for progress. These efforts are paving the way toward a more empowered, sustainable, and liberated future for the community.
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