Cheyenne river youth project celebrates 2024 highlights, prepares for 2025
As the year draws to a close, the leadership team at the Cheyenne river youth project (CRYP) in eagle butte reflects on an eventful and groundbreaking 2024. For the nonprofit, native-led organisation, this year marks a significant chapter, with 2025 promising to continue that momentum with exciting new developments.
Julie Garreau, CRYP’s founder and chief executive officer, describes 2024 as the start of a new era for the organisation. The year began with the purchase of wakanyeja kin wana ku pi (The Children Are Coming Home), a nearly 40-acre parcel of land adjacent to the sacred Mato Paha (Bear Mountain/Bear Butte State Park). The CRYP held a dedication ceremony for this important land acquisition on April 26, marking a significant milestone in the project’s mission.
“The land purchase is about the cultural health and long-term well-being of our lakota young people,” Garreau explained. “It gives us a foundation to bring them here for seasonal cultural camps, healing activities, workshops, and internships. The land also serves as a home base for trips to other sacred places like wind cave, black Elk Peak, and mato tipila (Bear Lodge/Devils Tower National Monument).”
Jerica Widow, CRYP’s programs director, played a key role in organising a young women’s healing camp at the Bear Butte property in early november. She described the camp as one of her favourite experiences of the year, alongside a trip to pipestone national monument in August. “These were intimate gatherings, and it was very healing to be with women of all ages,” Widow said. “It inspired me to continue doing better for the girls in my care, to help them heal and grow.”
Wakinyan Chief, Arts Manager at CRYP, helped organise a camping trip to Turner Enterprises’ Standing Butte Ranch in July, and led a young men’s healing camp at the Bear Butte property in August. Both events proved to be highlights of the year. “At Standing Butte Ranch, it was amazing to watch the camaraderie build as we observed the bison herd and learned about the ecosystem,” Chief said. “The young men’s healing camp was incredibly moving, especially seeing them participate in their first inipi (sweat lodge) ceremony.”
One of the year’s most significant milestones was the 10th annual redcan Invitational Graffiti Jam, which remains the first and only event of its kind in Indian Country. The event, which welcomed 14 guest artists – including two Māori artists from New Zealand – was a tremendous success. CRYP also hosted a Native youth group from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian community in arizona, and youth leaders from the American Indian Community Housing Organisation in Duluth, Minnesota. The event also featured spoken-word workshops with Lakota storyteller Taté Walker, which were a big hit with the youth.
“Our youth had the opportunity to showcase their own work and assist the guest artists, which made this year’s RedCan particularly special,” Chief said. “It’s always fulfilling to see the young people realise their own potential and the positive impact the programmes have on their lives.”
Another key success was the harvest of nearly 10,000 pounds of fresh produce from CRYP’s 2.5-acre Winyan Toka Win (Leading Lady) Garden. The youth project also launched a beekeeping operation, harvesting 40 pounds of honey, with plans to expand the operation by adding 10 more colonies in 2025.
Additionally, CRYP took steps to enhance its workforce development with the introduction of a new employee housing development and youth employment training initiative. These projects are designed to build a strong, sustainable workforce for the future.
Garreau emphasised the importance of these programmes. “Nothing compares to witnessing the real-world impact on the lives of our young people,” she said. “It’s inspiring to watch them grow, plan their finances, buy their first cars, and rent their first homes. It’s a privilege to support them as they move forward in life.”
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Looking ahead, CRYP has ambitious plans for 2025, including the long-awaited construction of a Lakota arts and culture centre. This new facility will provide a space for Lakota arts, culture, and heritage programmes, furthering the organisation’s mission to empower young people through culturally relevant programming and intergenerational mentorship.
“We’ve been empowering young people for 36 years, and we dream big for their future,” Garreau said. “The new year brings even more exciting opportunities, and with the support of our community and donors, we can continue to offer programmes that build leadership, creativity, and a stronger connection to our Lakota culture.”
As the year ends, Garreau called on supporters to contribute to the cause. “Together, we can continue this important work and create lasting change for our youth. We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received and look forward to what 2025 will bring.”
CRYP’s dedication to the well-being and cultural health of its youth remains at the heart of everything they do, and as 2025 approaches, the organisation is poised for even greater achievements.
