Lakota Youth Development

Working with Lakota youth in multigenerational, experiential programs.

Lakota Youth Development (LYD) is a culturally specific program that teaches self-sufficiency, healthy lifestyles, land stewardship, and youth development. This is done through Lakota language immersion, apprenticeships in beekeeping and cultural heritage tourism enterprises.

“Our work is based on the cultural teachings of Wolakota; grounded in the understanding that we are relatives to all creation as well as Grandmother Earth. These teachings are a lifeway of being good relatives and ensuring that there is no abuse, harm or disrespect, and are shared throughout our multigenerational, experiential programs. 

As our youth grow up, they begin to ask how they can live well in today’s world and be successful as a Lakota; so we have supported the development of the first youth-led social enterprise, Honey Lodge.  

We center our culture and our way of life as uniquely strong, independent people to ensure that the next generations remain grounded in who they are. The risk of losing our language risks losing the deep meaning of our cultural ways, balance with the environment and our clear connections to the universe.’