Validation on the Rez

In 1990, as the U.S. prepared for the Gulf War, I experienced a coincidence that profoundly changed my life. This is one of the “aftershock” coincidences I encountered while seeking validation of the primary event.

After earning my architecture degree from Virginia Tech, I joined the V.I.S.T.A. program, requesting an assignment on an Indian reservation. I was placed with the Tribal Health Department at the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation in Ft. Yates, North Dakota. However, there was an issue: the tribe couldn’t find housing for me. Until they could, V.I.S.T.A. sent me to another program in Williston.

Halfway through my one-year service, frustrated by the delay, I decided to act. I informed my supervisor, packed my car, and drove five hours to Ft. Yates early one Friday morning. Upon arrival, I stopped at the hospital to ask for directions. Once inside the Tribal Health building, I was ushered into the director’s office, interrupting a meeting with a local resident.

They were discussing the purchase of his property in town, which included a private home and an old motel. The Tribe planned to convert the motel into a women’s shelter but faced a hurdle: the federal grant application required a detailed drawing of the property, including both buildings.

A deal was struck on the spot. I, a young architectural graduate, would create the required drawing, and in return, I could live in the motel for free. I had arrived at exactly the right moment.

During my time on Standing Rock, I completed my service, forged lifelong friendships, and found the validation I had been seeking. Meanwhile, the Tribe received its grant and brought its vision of a women’s shelter to life. It was a perfect alignment of needs and timing—a coincidence I’ll never forget.