When you hear the phrases “domestic abuse” and “dating violence,” you might think of adult men and women in toxic relationships. You might not realize that these destructive patterns may take root much younger than a person’s 20s or 30s; the unfortunate reality is that many teens are in damaging and even dangerous relationships, suffering physical, emotional, verbal, sexual and even digital abuse as young as ages 13 or 14.
That’s why the Cheyenne River Youth Project® in Eagle Butte has arranged a very special Valentine’s Day celebration for area teens at its Cokata Wiconi teen center. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, February 15, it will be hosting its first Teen Date Night, which will include appetizers and a romantic, formal Italian dinner in the Keya Cafe, live music, door prizes and a movie on CRYP’s big screen, complete with specially decorated cupcakes for dessert. Young people also will have the opportunity to buy flowers or stuffed animals for their dates.
And, since February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, CRYP staff and volunteers will have a variety of table games and quizzes that are designed to be both fun and educational, giving teens the opportunity to learn more about dating violence and appropriate ways to treat a boyfriend or girlfriend.
“Growing up on Cheyenne River, you don’t learn too much about how to date,” said Tammy Eagle Hunter, CRYP’s wellness coordinator and Teen Date Night organizer. “You’re thrust into ‘mature’ relationships way too fast and have no idea what a healthy relationship model is. ‘Dates’ are in no way typical in this area.
“We hope parents and other adult community members will encourage their teenagers to participate by formally inviting a special someone to this event,” she continued. “Learning how to date and how to treat your partner respectfully are important skills, and we hope to encourage positive life experiences among our teens. Wellness is about so much more than just being physically healthy.”
Interested teens, or their parents, may call the CRYP office at 605-964-8200 for more information and to make reservations. Ages 13 to 18 are welcome to attend.
“There are better ways to show interest in someone than Facebook pokes, TBHs, status likes, tags and text messages,” Eagle Hunter noted. “Be brave, be confident, and ask him or her on a real date. Girls deserve to be taken on nice dates, and fellas — be man enough to ask them out on one!”
The Valentine’s Weekend fun will continue on Saturday, February 16, with the Valentine’s 2-on-2 Basketball Tournament in the Cokata Wiconi gymnasium. Grades 7 to 12 are welcome to participate; the tournament is for boy/girl teams only, with no substitutions. Doors will open at 9 p.m., and the tournament will run until 1 a.m.
“The Cheyenne River reservation doesn’t have a movie theater, an arcade or a bowling alley, and we have limited restaurant options,” explained Julie Garreau, CRYP’s executive director. “To have access to fine dining or teenager-friendly evening diversions, you’d have to drive an hour and a half to Pierre or nearly three hours to Rapid City. So it’s very important to us to provide positive, safe, fun alternatives right here in Eagle Butte, and thanks to our Cokata Wiconi facilities and dedicated staff and volunteers, we can do that.”
To learn more about the Cheyenne River Youth Project® and its programs, and for information about making donations and volunteering, call (605) 964-8200 or visit www.lakotayouth.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, visit the youth project’s Facebook “Cause” page. All Cause members will receive regular updates through Facebook.
The Cheyenne River Youth Project®, founded in 1988, is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the youth of the Cheyenne River reservation with access to a vibrant and secure future through a wide variety of culturally sensitive and enduring programs, projects and facilities that ensure strong, self-sufficient families and communities.