Support Native American Ceremonies in PA Prisons

HELP BUILD SWEAT LODGES AT PA STATE PRISONS

About This Campaign

Most incarcerated Native Americans in the Federal Prison System have the opportunity to take part in their traditional ceremonies through a sweat lodge. For many years, this has not been the case for Pennsylvania State facilities. However, as a result of a 2020 lawsuit, PA prisons now recognize that Native American ceremonial groups have the legal right to pray in a sweat lodge. Unfortunately, the lawsuit agreement indicates that the State is not required to provide any funding for the sweat lodge. The prisoners are expected to provide all funds to build and maintain the sweat lodge. Because of the extensive set up costs, this limitation puts the sweat lodge out of reach of inmates.The funds raised here will cover set up costs for sweat lodge builds in at least one if not three PA DoC facilities: Albion, Fayette & Mercer.

Who We Are

This effort is being spearheaded by Dr. Brian DeForce. In addition to prison work, he is a ceremonial chief at the Holy Circle Sun Dance (Owl Bonnet Community, Rosebud, SD). His lead team members are Jonathan Disalle and Dan Fisher. All three are PA DoC Contract Chaplains. Brian has been working as a volunteer and contract chaplain in correctional facilities since 2007. He has worked with incarcerated people at 6 federal Bureau of Prison facilities and 6 Pennsylvania DoC facilities. He has built sweat lodges and conducted sweat lodge ceremonies at 5 of the 6 federal prisons he has been involved with. The deepest motivation for bringing the sweat lodge to these prisons is to facilitate this experience for the Lifers there. Some of these men have spent all of their adult life in prison and without a change in PA law, they will die there. They simply desire to pray in a traditional way. Your financial support will help them to achieve this dream and constitutional right.

How Did We Get Involved?

Many years ago, while conducting ceremonies in a PA prison, Brian bonded with a 62-year-old “Lifer”.This man was sentenced to life at the age of 15 and had spent his entire adult life in prison. While praying together with a ceremonial pipe, Brian told him that somehow, some way, they would sweat together (at the time, a PA prison sweat was not a legal option). A short time later, the PA supreme court ruled that youth offenders could not receive a life sentence and the man was released. A sweat lodge was arranged for the man as soon as he got out and they indeed did get to sweat together! This seeming miracle is what sparked Brian's passion to bring sweat lodges to PA DoC prisons.

Brian and this gentleman remained in contact over the years. One day, after the landmark sweat lodge lawsuit was won, he reached out to Brian with a request. His former cellmate, another Lifer whom Brian had met previously, was looking for help in establishing a sweat lodge at Albion, the prison in which he was presently housed. Brian started visiting the new prison, first as a volunteer, then as a contract chaplain, with the objective of establishing a sweat lodge. Once Brian started visiting Albion, word spread and he was invited to Mercer and Fayette to conduct talking circles and pipe ceremonies. Due to the high demand, Brian brought in Jonathan and Dan to help support the new facilities. After six months of setting the groundwork at Albion, the facility approvals for sweat lodge ceremonies has been achieved and the Native American spiritual community there remains steadfastly focused on realizing this goal. Fayette and Mercer are close behind in receiving approvals. Initial funds will be provided to Albion. Funds raised beyond what is needed there will be allocated to the other two institutions. That way, when permissions are granted, they can be ready to build their respective lodges.

What is a Sweat Lodge?

The sweat lodge is a primary ceremonial tradition of many indigenous tribes throughout America. It dates back to the beginnings of oral history and the format has changed little since its origin. This communal ceremony is focused on prayer, purification and renewal. The energy for the ceremony comes from a sacred fire used to heat stones. The hot stones are brought into an enclosed hut where the participants express their prayers through words, songs and a ceremonial pipe. The heat and prayers promote healing and understanding. Through prayer and meditation, the participants connect with and acknowledge their ancestors. Healing occurs as toxins and negative emotions are released. These aspects of the sweat lodge provide a vital tool to spiritual growth.

Financials

The estimated cost for each site is $8730. This amount covers start up materials as well as consumables to cover 3 yrs of sweat lodge ceremonies. The goal is to raise $9,000 per lodge build (the additional funds to cover the portion that goes to gofundme). We will start with a $9,000 goal. If we are able to reach that number we will continue to increase the goal with the ultimate hope of raising a total of $27,000 to fully cover building a lodge at all three institutions.

Breakdown of costs for each individual sweatlodge:

Willows 200

Tying string/rope 100

Stake to make holes 80

Sledge to drive stake 50

Cloth for robes 200

Tarps 3000

Bucket 100

Dipper 20

Buffalo Skull 200

Pitchfork (2) 70

Rake - garden 30

Rake -leaf 30

Thin Shovel 30

Smudge cans and handles 30

Cedar box 30

SS pot for tea 60

Storage shed 1100

Metal Shelf 300

Large Plastic Storage Bins 100

Large Water Containers/Drums 300

Consumables (3 years)

Kindling 200

Dry Grass 200

Wood 1000

Cedar 100

Stones 1000

Sacred Tobacco 200

We would like to acknowledge all of the prisoners who have fought for Native American religious rights. We acknowledge all of the Traditionals who have suffered, sacrificed and persisted to keep these ceremonies alive. We hope to honor you through this work.

All donations will be received through and redistributed by the Traditional Shipibo Religion of North America, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Therefore, donations are tax deductible. Receipts available upon request.

Your support of this campaign is deeply appreciated. Thank you!