2019 Convergence
Pre - Build ~ Monday, August 19 - Thursday 22nd ~
Please join us for an intimate gathering focused on skill-building and preparing the camp for a larger group of people for the weekend. Many attendees say pre-build is their favorite time for making connections and acclimating to the camp.
Offerings and Activities during Pre-Build include:
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Street Medic Training - during this 20 hr intensive training, Indigenous teacher Vanessa Bolin will explain many ways to
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Building and Framing, Natural Plaster Prep, and more
Convergence Celebration ~ Friday, August 23rd - Sunday 25th ~
Our celebration and workshops portion of the event. There are still build projects to lend a hand in that are farther along, as well as:
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Surprise Musical Guests, Workshops, Panels, and Ceremony.
2018 Projects
The Indigenous Wisdom Center led by Engineers Without Borders
Participants contributed to the construction of the Indigenous Wisdom Center, a tribal Permaculture and Lakota Language Center made of cob (an earthen mortar) and rammed-earth-tires. Built under the guidance of renowned architects and engineers.
Site Assessment and 3 Food Distribution Hubs across Pine Ridge
In collaboration with non-profit partners ReMember, Rebel Earth Farms, and OLCERI we are supporting inititatives for long-term food security.
Natural Plasters Workshop with Jim Schalles
To complete last year's rocket stove with thermally mass heated bench, we added a locally sourced plaster coat to let the project shine. Jim Schalles of Tallgrass Vernacular led hands-on mixing and application of clay based plasters and paints. We learned about the versatility and beauty of natural finishes which can be applied to a myriad of both traditional and conventional materials.
2017 Projects
Appropriate Technologies
Attendees completed projects that contribute to self-sufficient and sustainable practices on the Pine Ridge Reservation:
• Passive Solar Food Dehydrator
• Fuel-Efficient 5 gallon Rocket Stoves
• Greywater System from outdoor kitchen and showers
The existing permaculture infrastructure on site was woven into workshop programs to inspire and educate attendees interested in learning ecological design, including:
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Biodiesel plant capable of producing 1000 gal/day, ready to grow and convert legal hemp to fuel
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Solar panels and wind turbines
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Sawmill to sustainably process lumber from trees affected by fire
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Biomethane gassier as a transition fuel technology
Growing Food Security
Perennial Food Forest & Community Garden
Attendees learned about the unique challenges and solutions to growing food on the Great Plains. Together we worked in OLCERI’s 5 year old food forest and Walapini greenhouse using sheet mulching technique, growing microgreens, and produce for the local community.
Aquaponics System
Attendees installed a closed-loop growing system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (the soil-less growing of plants).
TRADITIONAL SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE
We learned traditional ways to show reverence for Life from all 4 nations who were represented at camp. Sacred ceremony, prayers, songs, dances, and stories are shared by teachers and participants alike.
