Wellness at Cokata Wiconi
Diabetes, heart disease and obesity are just a few of the serious health issues that disproportionately affect Native American populations in the United States. The U.S. Department of Health and Human services estimates that Native Americans are twice as likely to develop diabetes as the general population, and according to the Center for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death in our communities. The time to be active is now.

At Cokata Wiconi, we offer:

  • “Open gym” hours in our full-size indoor basketball court, perfect for pick-up games and team practices.
  • State-of-the-art fitness center with a wide range of equipment, supervised by trained staff.
  • Regularly scheduled sports clinics and tournaments.
  • Midnight Basketball, which allows teens to play ball and socialize from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
  • Diabetes prevention initiatives, including blood-sugar clinics, cooking classes, and educational workshops.
  • Seasonal clubs that focus on favorite activities like biking and running.
  • Annual 5K run/walk events for youth and the community, including the Run of the Turtles, the Graffiti Color Run and the Halloween Zombie Run.
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Explore Cokata Wiconi

Internship Program

CRYP’s ground-breaking teen internship program, which offers tracks in sustainable agriculture, social enterprise, wellness and the arts, gives young people a chance to learn vital job and life skills—and gain significant hands-on experience—that will serve them well all their lives. Through this program, we are lifting up the next generation of Lakota creators, mentors, culture bearers and leaders. In 2013, we graduated 10 interns. By the end of 2017, that number had risen to nearly 500, and the program is still growing. Learn more about Internships at Cokata Wiconi.

Wellness at Cokata Wiconi

At CRYP, we believe in holistic wellness—supporting every child’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. We prepare them for a successful, vibrant adult life with wellness training that incorporates physical fitness activities, culturally relevant classes and workshops, health education and certifications, and opportunities to develop their skills and self-confidence through peer mentorship and community leadership. Learn more about Wellness at Cokata Wiconi.

Midnight Basketball

Founded in 1996 as the brainchild of a former long-term volunteer, Midnight Basketball is CRYP’s signature wellness program for teens. It fosters healthy and sober lifestyles, physical fitness, personal responsibility, teamwork and positive self-esteem; it also helps alleviate bullying, because it brings kids from all social circles together for hours of late-night ball, music, refreshments and fun. Learn more about Midnight Basketball.

Passion for Fashion

Not only does this long-running program give our teenage girls a chance to share in the joy and excitement of preparing for the high school prom, it provides a meaningful opportunity to learn from other Lakota women, enjoy intergenerational bonding, and find personal empowerment through positive body image, improved self-confidence, and the knowledge that one person absolutely can do her part to create a stronger community. Learn more about Passion for Fashion.