Lakota youth enjoy a special day of pampering before prom.
EAGLE BUTTE, S.D-In late March, Lakota youth aged 12-18 gathered at the Cheyenne River Youth Project's Čhokáta Wičhóni (Center of Life) teen center for the nonprofit organization's 24th annual Passion for Fashion event.
Called Wačhípí kta Iglúwiŋyeyapi (Youth Get Ready for the Dance) in Lakota, Passion for Fashion helps young women prepare for their high school prom in a positive and safe space. As they search for formalwear and accessories, they also have opportunities to strengthen their connection to traditional culture.
This year's theme was "Shine Bright Like Your Ancestors." The festivities began with lunch, partially provided by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe's Indian Child Welfare program, and a keynote presentation by respected Cheyenne River Lakota elders Renee and Manny Iron Hawk.
"There are no bounds of what women can do, especially now," speaker Manny Iron Hawk told the assembled teens. "You are warriors."
Also on hand was Lily Mendoza, co-founder of the Red Ribbon Skirt Society, a grassroots collective dedicated to confronting the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. She spoke about the MMIW movement and its efforts to raise awareness, support families, and bring loved ones home.
Afterward, the teens entered CRYP's full-size gymnasium for an afternoon of pre-prom fun. Individual donors across the country gave dresses, shoes, accessories, self-care items and funding for the event. In addition to finding an outfit for the prom, each teen also enjoyed hair styling, makeovers, manicures and pedicures. One volunteer even made dress alterations on site.
The evening concluded with a fashion show on the CRYP runway and swag baskets filled with beauty and self-care items.
CRYP accepts donations for Passion for Fashion year round. Always needed are gently used dresses in sizes 4 to 26 (particularly sizes 12 and up); formalwear, including tuxedos, suits and ties; jewelry and hair accessories; formal shoes; and makeup and bath sets. Gift cards and cash donations are also much appreciated.
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 http://www.lakotayouth.org.
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.
