This week, we had a very special day at the Cheyenne River Youth Project. We had the honor of presenting a well-deserved bonus to two of our outstanding Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) trainees, Dom and Alex.
The looks on their faces when they received their envelopes was absolutely priceless, and we were so proud to shake their hands. But this moment wasn’t just about a bonus — it was about reminding our young people how valuable they are and how deeply we respect them.
At CRYP, Lakota culture is fully integrated into everything we do. Our YEI program is designed to teach our young people how to live, not just how to perform. We believe that our Lakota values are exactly what we need to navigate any situation that arises in life. Dom and Alex are living proof of this. They approach their work every day with a profound commitment to these values:
Wowahwala (Humility) & Wo’ohitika (Courage):
They show up with endless energy and enthusiasm. They are courageous enough to take on tasks they’ve never done before, yet so humble that they do the work beautifully without ever expecting a big accolade.
Wačanteognake (Generosity) & Woksape (Wisdom):
They see what needs to be done before anyone even asks. Just the other day, we were running behind on getting snacks out. Dom noticed right away, stepped up, and said, “Do you want me to get the snack out? I know there’s nothing out right now.”* He just took care of it.
Wa’čantkiya (Loving Kindness) & Respect:
Julie Garreau, our CEO, travels a lot for CRYP, and when she returns, these two always greet her with a warm, “Julie, welcome back, we missed you.” There is never a grumble, never a complaint. To be honest, a lot of adults could learn a thing or two from these two young men!
Wačanteognake (Generosity) & Woksape (Wisdom):
This week, we told Dom and Alex, “You are going to be great employees, and you are going to be great at whatever you do in this life, as long as you let your Lakota values guide you.”
We are incredibly grateful that our YEI program gives us the space to recognize and celebrate our youth in this way. Please join us in congratulating Dom and Alex for their hard work, their dedication, and for carrying our values forward so beautifully.