EAGLE BUTTE, S.D. (March 30, 2026) — Sixty young people gathered at the Cheyenne River Youth Project’s Cokata Wiconi (Center of Life) Teen Center on March 14 for Passion for Fashion, also known as Wačhípí kta Iglúwiŋyeyapi (Youth Get Ready for the Dance). Now in its 26th year, the beloved tradition continues to uplift and empower youth as they prepare for their prom season.
Held during Women’s History Month, known at CRYP as Matriarchy March, this year’s Barbie-themed event provided a vibrant, affirming space for young women and two-spirit youth in grades 7-12. According to Programs Director Jerica Jones, it was a special day that involved so much more than simply preparing for the prom.
“At its heart, Passion for Fashion is all about exploring self-expression, building confidence and connecting with mentors and peers,” she explained. “We are dedicated to helping our young people see their strength, their beauty and the many positive pathways available to them.”
The day began with a shared meal of chicken chipotle bowls and continued with icebreaking activities and a keynote speech from River Gunville, who embraced the theme with a message centered on “Lakota Barbie.” In her talk, Gunville highlighted the many roles Lakota women hold in their communities, from language preservation and cultural reclamation to education and traditional dance.
“She emphasized that young people can pursue their own paths while staying grounded in culture and identity,” Jones said. “She also shared her personal journey, encouraging attendees to believe in themselves and carry that confidence forward into every aspect of their lives.”
Submitted Photo
Throughout the afternoon, participants selected prom dresses and other formalwear, shoes, jewelry and accessories. They also enjoyed a variety of hair styling, makeup and nail services with the support of community ambassadors including Gunville, Reed Two Bulls and staff members and youth from Sacred Heart.
Two Bulls performed a song prior to the event’s culminating runway show. As always, the fashion show was a highlight of the day, giving participants the opportunity to step onto the CRYP catwalk and celebrate one another.
Each attendee returned home with a gift basket filled with self-care items, including makeup, wipes and nail care supplies from Partnership with Native Americans (PWNA) and lipsticks from Native-led Prados Beauty.
CRYP is continuing to support additional young people through private dress appointments, which are available from 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays through April 24. These appointments ensure that all Cheyenne River youth have access to the formalwear and accessories they need for prom season, which concludes with the final local prom on April 25.
“We also are continuing to accept donations for this prom season and for Passion for Fashion 2027,” Jones said. “We encourage our supporters to remember us after their local prom in spring and after homecoming in fall. Every contribution helps us sustain this milestone program, which has become a rite of passage here on Cheyenne River.”
CRYP is seeking new and gently used formalwear and accessories, including:
- Dresses (especially sizes 16-26)
- Tuxedos, suits, dress shirts, dress pants, and ties
- Shoes (especially sizes 9-12)
- Jewelry and hair accessories
- Makeup sets, bath sets, and other self-care items
- Gift cards and monetary donations, which allow CRYP staff to purchase items based on specific needs
For more information, visit
lakotayouth.org/passion-for-fashion/
.
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
. And, to stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, follow the youth project on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Vimeo and YouTube.
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.