In recent years there has been an epidemic of youth suicides across Indian Country and especially on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. In response to this crisis, a coalition of community-based youth programs on the Pine Ridge called Tiospaye Sakowin is planning three youth healing camps during the spring and summer 2016. We need your help to make sure they have the resources needed to make these camps a success! Please considering making a donation today.
Hoksila/Koskala(Boys/Young Men) Camp: May 26-30, 2016
Wakanyeja (Children) Healing Camp: July 6-10, 2016
Wikoskala (Girls/Young Women) Healing Camp: July 28-31, 2016
The camps will be held at the Tiospaye Sakowin Ceremonial Grounds, next to former Oblaye Store, approximately 2.5 miles south of Sharp’s Corner on the Oglala Lakota Nation in South Dakota. The Pte Oyate (Buffalo Nation) care for and protect their young by putting them in the center of the herd. Our Young Relatives, ages 0-17, who have experienced trauma, loss and /or grief are invited to come to the “center” and participate in healing camps. They will be provided with education and healing opportunities, with emphasis on nurturing their Nagi (spirit) toward a strong, mind and body. Young women, up to age 18, who are pregnant and have experienced trauma are welcome to attend either the children’s camp or Young Women’s camp.
Wicoti Wokiglega (Camp Goals)
To give life to the values, gifts and teachings provided by Tunkasila and Unci (Grandfather and Grandmother) ancestors for the well-being and healing of our people, which include:
- Wacante Ognaka– To have a warm and compassionate environment for youth who have experienced trauma, grief and loss and their parent/guardian and siblings. All youth are treated
- Woapiye – To offer an opportunity for the youth (and their family if they wish) to receive a spiritual purification or “wiping off” of the spiritual residue left by the trauma they have experienced.
- Wopakinte -To offer an opportunity for the youth to begin or strengthen their healing through
- Woyuskin– to provide a happy, fun and accepting environment
- Lakol Caswicatun Pi – To provide an opportunity for those youth who do not have a spirit name to receive one through ceremony and to have a public acknowledgement of their spirit name to reinforce their Lakota cultural identity
- Wicozani – To provide an opportunity for wellness screenings health and mental health
- Wowasake – To provide an opportunity to strengthen the mind, body and spirit
Camp Directors/Advisors – Rick and Ethleen Two Dogs, [email protected] and Gene and Cindy
Giago, [email protected]. For registration, contact Camp Coordinators as listed below. Once registration is confirmed, additional information will be provided for preparation and participation in the camp. There is a limit of 20 participants per camp due to limited resources and space. See registration deadlines on registration form.
Koskalaka (Young Men, age 11-17) Wicoti – Joe Giago, [email protected], 605-441-2794
Wakanyeja (Children, age 0-11) Wicoti – Saige Pourier, [email protected], 605-454-3150
Wikoskalala (Young Women, age 11-17)Wicoti– Randilynn Giago, [email protected],605-454-5178
Camp Coordinators
Sponsored by: Tiospaye Sakowin Education and Healing Center
