On Saturday, March 12, 69 teenage girls on South Dakota’s remote, 2.8-million-acre Cheyenne River reservation converged on the Cheyenne River Youth Project® for its much-loved, annual “Passion for Fashion” event. For 15 years, the Cheyenne River Youth Project® has arranged this special day to to celebrate the strength, achievements and limitless potential of the reservation’s next generation of young women.
“We created Passion for Fashion in 2001 so we could ensure that our girls could experience the joy and excitement all young people should experience when they approach this rite of passage,” said Julie Garreau, CRYP’s executive director. “But the day is about so much more than that. It’s about bonding, self esteem and expressing yourself in an authentic way.”
When the 69 teens (including seven who drove more than an hour from Takini, in the southwestern part of the reservation) arrived at CRYP’s Cokata Wiconi (Center of Life) teen center at 1 p.m., they marveled at the transformation of the center from its everyday incarnation to a celebration of Star Wars and “The Force Awakens.” According to Garreau, the theme was both timely and highly appropriate.
“The female lead, Rey, is such a strong role model,” she explained. “She’s resourceful and independent, she works hard and does what’s right. She also demonstrates that you have the power to choose your own path in life, which is an important message for our girls.”
After the girls enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers and fresh salad at the Keya (Turtle) Cafe, keynote speaker Darrell Redleaf took the floor. A top celebrity hair stylist, makeup artist, product developer and TV commentator with 30 years of experience in the Hollywood glamour business who also has personal ties to Cheyenne River, Redleaf spoke about finding your dream — and finding a skill that no one can take from you.
“It was a great talk,” said Tammy Eagle Hunter, CRYP’s executive director. “He talked about the Force and how it really is life, the choices you make, and how you treat your spirit.”
In addition, LeNae LeBeau from Cheyenne River’s Sacred Heart Center spoke about teen sex, dating violence, consent and healthy relationships, while colleague Sister Katherine Baltazaar talked about the effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
“Through this year’s speakers, we wanted to share with our young people that wellness is holistic, from physical and mental health to emotional and spiritual well-being,” Garreau said. “And it all starts with valuing yourself, knowing and understanding your own worth as a human being. If you believe in your own potential and are willing to work hard, there’s nothing you can’t do.”
After lunch, the teens moved on to Cokata Wiconi’s full-size gymnasium, where they took advantage of a variety of pampering services, from manicures and pedicures to hair styling, facials and makeovers. Then it was time to shop.
CRYP staff filled the gym with hundreds of formal dresses and shoes, and countless pieces of jewelry, hair accessories and other prom must-haves, giving Cheyenne River’s young women a very special opportunity.
“A big part of prom is having the chance to search for that perfect dress and pair of shoes, putting on a sparkling pair of earrings, and finding just the right hairstyle,” Eagle Hunter said. “Without Passion for Fashion, so many of our girls would never have the chance to experience these things, since their families don’t have room in the monthly budget, nor can they make the long trip to Pierre or Rapid City. We want to give our teens the thrills, joy and magic that go along with prom season — and beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.”
That evening, 30 courageous Passion for Fashion attendees paraded down CRYP’s formal catwalk to reveal their new looks. At the end of the evening, all the young women went home with special swag bags filled with bath and beauty products, in addition to jewelry that matched their gowns.
“One parent, Kim Claymore, approached me to say how wonderful the day was,” Eagle Hunter reflected. “She told me her daughter, Tayzia, just loves coming, and now she knows why.”
“The whole day was awesome,” said LeBeau, from the Sacred Heart Center. “The girls enjoyed themselves so much. Thanks, CRYP, for all you do! You are very much appreciated.”
Although the Passion for Fashion event is over, Cheyenne River teens are still welcome to visit Cokata Wiconi to do their prom shopping as schedules allow. Contact the CRYP main office at (605) 964-8200 for details.
And, CRYP staff members are already collecting prom wear and accessories for 2017. As always, the youth project will need new and gently used formal dresses, especially in sizes 11 to 20, and shoes in all sizes, especially in sizes 8-11. The organization also asks for jewelry, hair accessories, makeup and bath sets, gift cards, and menswear.
“Even if you missed Passion for Fashion last month, we’re still happy to take prom donations,” Garreau said. “Our need is so great ever year, we need to start gathering dresses, shoes and other accessories as early as we can for 2017.”
To stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, follow the youth project on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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.