In the heart of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, one of the poorest counties in the nation, Oglala Lakota-HoChunk Karen Artichoker has developed a program seeking social change and the transformation of community: Cangleska, Inc. The organization’s central mission seeks transformation of society and redemption of individuals by ending domestic violence against women.

Cangleska, Inc., started as a tiny, two-person outreach office. Yet, under Karen’s guidance, it now operates two crisis shelters, departments for legal services, including probation, offenders education, and outreach advocacy services as well. It also houses Sacred Circle, the national resource center to end violence against Native women. All services incorporate the traditional values of the Lakota people in ending violence, and the concept of women as sovereign individuals within sovereign nations guides all of the work.

Karen’s inspiration comes from the Lakota culture and traditions that view women and children as sacred to the community. She believes firmly in the notion that it is not a matter of "if" but rather “how” and “when” Native women will reclaim their sacred status. Her work resonates deeply in the community––and far beyond, as Karen and Cangleska, Inc., have received numerous honors, including the Marshall's Peace Prize and the Charles Bannerman Fellowship. Cangleska’s innovative approach has won the Innovations in American Government award from Harvard University and the Ford Foundation. Karen’s work in ending domestic violence has also earned Sisters in Spirit honors (i.e., the Gloria award) from the Ms. Foundation, and has been featured on various broadcasts, including segments on Lifetime television and the radio show “Native American Calling.”

Karen Artichoker recognized that domestic violence took a terrible toll on women and their children at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. She took action not only to help stop the violence, but also to address its causes and thereby transform the community. Her work seeks to restore the dignity of Native women as sovereign individuals and as sacred beings within the community, thus restoring the traditional values of the tribe and the dignity and sense of honor and place of its men as well. In her mission and achievements, Karen Artichoker’s cause speaks to all of our communities, offering a model of restoration and dignity for both women and men.

To learn more about Karen and her cause, and how you can make a difference, please visit: www.cangleska.org.

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