The Oglala Mercantile in Oglala, South Dakota. Photo by Natalie Hand
Oglala Mercantile Expands
By Natalie Hand
Lakota Country Times Correspondent OGLALA-- Tom Wise had a dream to create a business on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation that would support the Oglala Oyate and help alleviate the hardship of traveling long distances for basic necessities. Patty Mestaz (Oglala Lakota) shared his vision and the two came together to create the new Oglala Mercantile. The Oglala Mercantile is located within a building that is owned by the White Clay District Community Development Corporation. The structure, built several years ago, began with a small laundromat. Mestaz, was brought in to assist in growing the business. After partnering with Wise they leased the property and began the work to finish the interior to include three office suites, a café and store. And due to the overwhelming need, the pair are now expanding their operation to include groceries. “We want to offer customers more variety at fair prices,” noted Mestaz.
Tom Wise, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, serves as co-manager of the Oglala Mercantile in Oglala, South Dakota. Photo by Natalie Hand
Wise, who is an enrolled citizen of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, has poured his heart and soul, and a considerable amount of personal savings into this endeavor. “Before we started working on this building, I doubt if it would have made it through our last winter,” stated Wise. Wise was forced to redo the insulation inside the store and completely finish work on the building prior to opening. The “Circle of Life”, a Native owned home care agency, occupies one of the new office suites. Shirley Holy Rock, the company’s South Dakota Field Director noted, “We have a statewide program, with approximately 25 personal care assistants, offering homemaking and personal care for elderly and disabled natives living on and off the reservations. This office serves as our base. Patty and Tom are very accommodating.” The other two suites include a 19 ½’x 13 ½’ space; and a 13’ x 15 ½’ suite that includes a custom wash station and salon equipment for a possible beauty salon. Wise noted that he will work with prospective tenants to customize the suites to accommodate their needs.
The Burritos & More Café at the Oglala Mercantile offers ample seating and and free wi-fi. Photo by Natalie Hand
The Laundromat is a blessing for some local residents, who previously had to travel at least 60 miles each way to do their laundry. Mestaz stated that they will soon be receiving large capacity machines to accommodate blankets, rugs and other bulky items. Since their “soft opening” in August of this year, the business has expanded to include the “Burritos & More Café”. Mestaz, as head chef, offers homemade breakfast and lunch items, including breakfast burritos, baked goods, smothered burritos, tacos, soups and more. Their specialty is the made-from-scratch salsa. A variety of flavored iced coffees are available and hot coffee is always free for elders. “The café is the only one in the White Clay District. Through word of mouth, we see new patrons coming in each week.” noted Mestaz. “And we have our regulars that come in and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi.” Refrigerated coolers and freezers have been ordered and once they are in place, Oglala Mercantile will be qualified to accept EBT payments for food purchases in the coming weeks.
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“We are working hard to get EBT qualified soon. We are really excited about this and the people are too.” stated Wise. “We will be a fully-stocked grocer and offer fresh produce and more natural, healthy options.” The Oglala Mercantile also serves local artisans by offering beading supplies. They buy a limited amount of handcrafted jewelry and artwork from local artisans and also showcase artist’s works on a consignment basis. The store offers a Security First Bank ATM machine on site and will soon offer Money Gram services allowing customers to transfer money across the world. “My home is in Arizona. I came back to help my nephew get on his feet. We began looking for a place to set up shop. We brought Patty on board because she has some awesome ideas,” stated Wise. “My home is in Colorado. I came back, because I want change. I want better prices, more variety and jobs for our people” added Mestaz. “Right now, we can only afford one employee, but as we grow, so will our workforce.” The Oglala Mercantile will be launching an official grand opening celebration in the coming weeks. They are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find the award-winning Lakota Country Times on the Internet, Facebook and Twitter.
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