The Cheyenne River Youth Project® in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, is inviting local teens to participate in an exciting opportunity through the Indian Law and Order Commission. The commission, created through the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010, is preparing to make recommendations to President Obama and the United States Congress about making tribal communities safer and more just, and it’s seeking the input of young people throughout Indian Country.
“Although the commission has already produced a report and drawn conclusions, it would like to hear what teenagers have to say about the biggest issues and challenges in their communities and then use that input as additional supporting material,” explained Julie Garreau, CRYP’s executive director. “So, they’re asking teens to produce videos that share their firsthand, teens-eye perspectives, and they’ve asked us to send a 3- to 5-minute, YouTube-style video that represents the concerns and views of our kids here on Cheyenne River.”
“The commission will review all the videos it receives from around the country and select which ones to include with the report when it’s published this spring,” she continued. “Any teen, or team of teens, whose video is chosen will win $1,000 — and even better, have the unparalleled opportunity of making the voices of native youth heard at the national level.”
To support this valuable project, CRYP will be holding a video contest. It’s open to youth ages 13 to 18; individuals and teams of up to three people are welcome to participate. Simply stop at the Cokata Wiconi teen center’s office, pick up an application form and fill out for the name of the individual or team, contact information, video topic and one-paragraph description.
All applications must be submitted by Friday, February 15. Once CRYP staff select the winning video proposal, that individual or team will meet with Jonathan Stuart-Moore, CRYP’s multimedia and technology coordinator, to film the video during the week of February 25.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for our teens,” Garreau said. “Not only will they gain exposure to and practice with the medium of videography, they’ll be able to express their own ideas on how to improve justice in Indian Country. That’s so important for our next generation of community leaders.”
Possible video topics could include law enforcement, tribal courts, juvenile treatment and/or sentencing options or victims services. They also can show creative solutions for addressing public safety and justice within tribal communities.
“The teens can focus on a single issue, or they can try to tell a larger story based on their experiences on Cheyenne River,” Garreau said. “We’re so excited to have the opportunity to participate in this video project, and we can’t wait to see what our teens have to say.”
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.