Nation Cowins, Programs Specialist

An enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Nation Cowins grew up in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. He discovered CRYP’s Cokata Wiconi (Center of Life) Teen Center in March 2020 and immediately got involved in multiple teen internship programs. He says he especially enjoyed working in the Winyan Toka Win (Leading Lady) Garden and the teen center’s commercial-grade kitchen.

Since 2021, Nation has been an integral part of CRYP, starting as a trainee and advancing to programs assistant in 2023. Following his graduation from Cheyenne-Eagle Butte High School in 2026, he transitioned to a full-time role as programs specialist — and took on responsibility for seasonal operations in the same 2.5-acre garden where he gained hands-on experience as a teen intern.

Nation helps lead teen internships and seasonal Lakota culture and healing camps at CRYP’s Wakanyeja Kin Wana Ku Pi (The Children Are Coming Home) property adjacent to sacred Bear Butte. Passionate about empowering the next generation, he believes in “seeing the change, being the change” — a philosophy he puts into practice as a mentor to younger CRYP participants.

Explore About Section

Mission & History

In 1988, Julie Garreau and a group of volunteers founded CRYP in a defunct bar on Eagle Butte’s Main Street. We’ve come a long way since then. Learn more about our Mission and History.

Staff

CRYP wouldn’t be where it is today without our resourceful, hard-working staff members, who routinely go well beyond the call of duty to serve our children, families and community. Learn more about our Staff.

Board of Directors

We are fortunate to have the support of a dedicated group of local and regional community leaders, who consistently offer their guidance as CRYP continues to grow and evolve. Learn more about our Board of Directors. 

Advisory Board

As we pursue our ongoing mission in the Cheyenne River community, and engage with partners across the country, CRYP also calls on a team of valued professionals for advice and expertise. Learn more about CRYP’s Advisory Board.

Facilities

A core component of our mission is to offer safe, positive, healthy spaces for our young people, families and community members to gather, exchange ideas, learn, socialize and thrive. Learn more about our Facilities.

Honors & Awards

Through the years, CRYP’s efforts have been recognized by a variety of regional and national organizations. Learn more about Our Honors and Awards.

Publications

We strive to keep our partners, supporters and friends up to date on all the latest happenings here at CRYP. Click here to see our Publications.

Financials

CRYP is dedicated to full transparency. Click here for our latest Financial statements and 990.