Wakanyeja Pawicayapi, Inc. (Children First)
http://www.wakanyeja.org/

Wakanyeja Pawicayapi is a non-profit organization based in Porcupine, South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.  

We are dedicated to helping children that have suffered or been victimized in their homes. Sometimes this means to give them instruction in Lakota Lifeways, and offering the Inipi, and other Lakota spiritual practices. Sometimes it means giving parenting training to their parents, grandparents or other relatives that may be care-givers.  Please take a look at our videos, and meet the staff.  Pilamaya yelo (Thank You)

Wakanyeja Means Children

Wakanyeja has much deeper meaning; "Wakan" is sacred and "yeja" is translated to mean “a gift”  Pawicayapi: to put them first. We believe that the 'Sacred Gift' is at the center of the sacred hoop of life, and they must be protected and nurtured. They are our future and the most fragile. Wakanyeja Pawicayapi, Inc. (Children First) comes from the rebirth of the Lakota way of life and laws through education, healing, and collaboration.

Wakanyeja kin wakan pi kin he un witaya naunjipi kte. (Coming together because the children are sacred.)

A Special Wopila (thank you) to the Wakan Iyeska (Interpreter of the Sacred), Mr. Richard Two Dogs, Mr. Richard Moves Camp, Mr. Roy Dennis Stone and the late Mr. Matthew Bear Shield whose contributions and spiritual support are immeasurable.

Programs of Wakanyeja Pawicayapi, Inc. Wakanyeja Pawicayapi Inc. is a very flexible organization and the programs and services that we offer frequently change, depending on the funding. Below is a list of programs we are providing now.

Oyate Ta Woakipa Etan Woasniye
(Healing from the People's Trauma)
A SAMHSA Funded Project
The purpose of Oyate Ta Woakipa Etan Woasniye (Healing From the People's Trauma) is to develop a Community Treatment and Services Center on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation that will provide effective trauma interventions for children and youth aged 3 -18 years of age.
Contact Person- Eileen H. Iron Cloud

Lakota Traditional Healing Research
A sub-contract with Black Hills Center for American Indian Health
This two year collaborative research project seeks to explore the expectations of people who seek Lakota Traditional Healing as well as those who provide the services.
Contact Person - Monique Giago

Tiwahe Wicozani Pi Kte
Toward Healthy Families
Lakota Equine Assisted Therapy
This project will provide equine assisted therapeutic services and horsemanship skills training for fifty Lakota youth, ages 11-16. Lakota culture based activities, in-school academic support, recreation and community services are the major components of the proposal. Parents and family members will be actively involved as volunteers.
Contact Person - Karen White Butterfly

Peta Ka Ilepi
Rekindling the Sacred Fire
Funded by Indian Health Service
This is a small three year grant to expand services to children who have experienced trauma. This project will work closely with the Oyate Ta Woakipa Etan Woasniye Project.
Contact Person - Denise Red Owl

Maza Tiopa
The Iron Door
Funded by Administration for Children and Families
The purpose of the Maza Tiopa Project is to design and implement a mentoring program for children on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation who have a parent in prison that will reduce and impact the cycle of incarceration through increasing each child's exposure to and understanding, the Lakota lifeways. The program supports participatory life skills classes, recreational activities, cultural art classes, sacred site visits, information dissemination. There are plans to develop and implement Memorandums of Agreement to extend services to children who are enrolled in other Wakanyeja Pawicayapi, Inc. programs as well as tribal programs.
Contact Person - Colleen Little Moon


If you would like to make a donation to support any of the programs under Wakanyeja Pawicayapi, Inc. you can send a check or money order to:
 
Wakanyeja Pawicayapi, Inc.
BIA Highway 27
P.O. Box 100
Porcupine, SD 57772