Lakota Youth Development

Blooming Honey Lodge will increase the capacity for this social enterprise to expand into a self-sustaining arm of their parent organization, Lakota Youth Development, while stewarding Sicangu Lakota lands through beekeeping. This project utilizes indigenous knowledge through modern-day economic development and stewardship.

Our project will create the next generation of native farmers as they utiliize their tribal lands and community to live sustainably. This leverages our resources (bees, chickens, and gardens) in order to increase sovereignty and empower our youth through innovative solutions.

Itazipa Kagapi (bow making) transferring strength and resiliency to Lakota Youth will retain traditional archery skills and artistry based on the Oceti Sakowin system of societies to allow youth to reclaim their place as archers and competitors among themselves and with other tribal groups across the plains and beyond.

The ultimate purpose of the Sunka Wakan Otakuye is 1) develop our Lakota youth and increase their cultural understanding of the horse nation, cultivating their Lakota identity, and 2) create a safe, welcoming environment where they can be supported as they engage with Tribal elders and learn of Lakota language, culture and values of the horse nation, and retain this knowledge for use in their everyday lives. Each year the Sunka Wakan Otakuye increases in its capacity and expands its reach, leveraging donated goods and services, volunteer hours and curriculum development to secure itself as a top NAAP program.