New women and children's shelter opens on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
By The Associated Press

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.