In La Plant, South Dakota, a group of teachers recently completed a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class to better serve their students and neighbors on the Cheyenne River Reservation. The training, led by Harold Tiger, taught them how to perform basic medical treatments and conduct search-and-rescue operations, including marking and methodically searching rooms. 

Theresa Y., the school principal, explained why.  

“For [the instructor], giving us his knowledge has really uplifted us to feel like we can be a vital part of helping our community,” she said. “Our parents and students survive a lot of different kinds of scenarios. This training has really helped us feel prepared in terms of being able to support the total, whole child and their survival.” 

Theresa first heard about the opportunity from a friend. As they discussed it, an eagle flew overhead, a sacred symbol in Lakota culture.  

“This was meant to be, to preserve and to guide. I took it as a sacred sign that we’re up for the challenge, and we will step up,” she said. 

While the school regularly practices fire and tornado drills, Theresa said she had never received emergency training at this level before. “This kind of preparation has taken it outside of our school level to our community level, the people we serve. Now I really feel that our staff here is very prepared to help our communities in any disaster,” she said.  

With the closest medical facility 30 miles away in Eagle Butte, the skills they learned could make all the difference in a real emergency. 

Teacher Janell C. found the training particularly impactful. She took on the leadership role during the search-and-rescue exercises.  

“I really liked the training Harold did. I thought he was very thorough, and I enjoyed being the team leader,” she said.  

She recalled a time when the skills could have helped her family. “My nephew got lost when he was hunting, so we had to travel up the creek a mile and a half in the snow to find him.” 

The medical component of the class also resonated with Janell. She said the techniques they learned, including how to tie a tourniquet, are especially valuable since her family frequently hunts and fishes. Both she and Theresa said the class was engaging and fun, while also providing them with practical skills they can use to protect their community. 

Harold reminded participants of the stakes.  

“You’re all going to be rescuers; you’re going to save lives,” he said.  

Teachers left the training not only equipped with new skills but also with a sense of confidence and responsibility for their neighbors. 

The CERT training was made available through the Northern Plains Reservation Aid® (NPRA) program of Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA). Your donation to NPRA helps provide training and resources to Tribal communities, like La Plant. Support people like Theresa and Janell to gain the tools and confidence to protect their families, students, and neighbors.