The five Lakota teens who are participating in the innovative “Growing into Wowachinyepi” program at CRYP have earned their naming ceremonies, certificates of achievement and a wopila (thank you) dinner. They will receive all this at a special honoring event on Thursday, Apr. 5 at the nonprofit youth organization’s Cokata Wiconi (Center of Life) teen center in Eagle Butte.
These five accomplished young people will then continue their journey through professional skills-building workshops, leadership training, holistic wellness trainings. Part of that journey will be an exciting all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. on Apr. 8-11.
The participating Cheyenne River Lakota teens are Claudia Iron Hawk, 18; Daniel Semon, 18; Jaymalee Turning Heart, 17; Randi Little Star, 16; and Oliver Miner, 16. All five have been active in CRYP’s ground-breaking internship program, following tracks in wellness, the arts, sustainable agriculture and social enterprise, and they were eager to have this new opportunity.
The “Growing Into Wowachinyepi” initiative was designed to honor the Cheyenne River community’s youth leaders in a culturally relevant and respectful way, while also giving participants opportunities to continue their leadership journey. The youth project created the program in conjunction with the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, modeling it on CNAY’s existing “Champions for Change” program.
“We created it specifically for our Lakota youth, in keeping with the Lakota Nation’s traditional value system,” said Julie Garreau, CRYP’s executive director.
The word wowachinyepi means “ one who the people can depend on.” The CRYP program promotes that distinctly Lakota view of leadership while honoring and recognizing young people who exemplify their community’s values.
“Our community has its own distinct outlook on what it means to be a leader, and what it means to achieve,” Garreau said. “Many of our young people are taking actions every day that reflect that outlook, and that demonstrate meaningful leadership, but they may not realize it. We want to honor them and provide support as they continue on their journey.”
To stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, follow the youth project on Facebook (/LakotaYouth), Twitter (@LakotaYouth) and Instagram (@waniyetuwowapi).
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.
The Center for Native American Youth is a policy program of The Aspen Institute, located in Washington, DC. Created by former US Senator Byron Dorgan, CNAY believes Native American youth should lead full and healthy lives, have equal access to opportunity, and draw strength from their culture and one another. CNAY focuses on the resilience of Native youth and supports them through youth recognition, inspiration, and leadership; research, advocacy, and policy change; serving as a national resource exchange; and by developing strengths-based Native youth media opportunities. Learn more at www.cnay.org.