Lora Catches

Oglala Sioux

Pine Ridge, South Dakota

36 years old

Lakota Immersion Teacher/Trainer, Thunder Valley/Red Cloud School, Pine Ridge, South Dakota

I’d like to participate in at the PATHSTAR Alcatraz swim week because… I have heard it is an amazing experience, and I have personally been affected by the stories and experiences of friends and family. I have seen and witnessed the change in them and I would like to also experience this and be a part of the change for our Oglala lakota people.

During the week, I’d like to learn more about… meal prep, how to cook with natural herbs and spices, healthy meals kids would enjoy and anything that will impact my life in a heathy way.

The learning I’d like to bring back home to apply in my own life is… Being able to keep a good routine in healthy eating. I would love to be so disciplined and be able to set an example for my children and for the community to teach the things I have learned.

The learning I’d like to bring back to share with y family and community is… the options of foods, the routines of exercise, the education on what is healthy for us mentally and physically.

My team and I plan on continuing the things we have learned in community. We want to spread the knowledge and be the example. We all work in schools and we are always striving to do better in our lives personally and physically. I believe we can make a huge impact not only in our community but across the reservations and Lakota Country.

Three goals I will commit to in participating in the PATHSTAR program are:
1) Being dedicated to learning and taking notes and journaling my experience,
so that I can always go back to it and vamp up the experience.
2) Giving my 100% everyday, knowing that quitting is not an option.
3) Being a team player and helping as much as I can.