Growing up on the Pine Ridge Reservation often means navigating extreme, systemic hardships from an early age. Pine Ridge remains one of the most economically disadvantaged areas in the United States. While the federal poverty level sits at $33,000 for a family of four, the reported per capita income on the Reservation is just $7,700.

Decades of systemic underfunding, poor access to quality schooling, and almost non-existent job opportunities have trapped many in an intergenerational cycle of poverty. In an environment defined by severe financial stress, food insecurity, and a lack of basic infrastructure, an overwhelming number of children grow up with trauma that's hard to put into words here. When hope seems out of reach and dropout rates remain high, youth frequently turn to unhealthy activities to kill time, making them vulnerable to the gangs, violence, drugs, and alcohol that often accompany extreme poverty.

Healing Through Heritage

Our approach to youth empowerment is firmly rooted in cultural reclamation. The legacy of horrific boarding schools and disastrous government relocation policies (such as the Indian Relocation Act) brought the Lakota language and culture to the brink of extinction. Today, it is more important than ever to keep Lakota values at the center of everything we do for our youth.

To ensure the most culturally relevant, empowering, and safe experiences, every single one of our programs are Native-run. By grounding children in their traditions, we provide spaces where the generations of tomorrow can find strength, joy, and a profound sense of identity in their Lakota heritage.

Our Youth Programs

Explore how we are providing safe havens, cultural education, and happy memories for Lakota youth.

 Allen Youth Center (AYC)

Located in the poorest town in the US, Allen is the closest town to the North American Pole of Inaccessibility—the exact inland spot farthest from any ocean on the continent.

The Allen Youth Center is a daily safe haven. More than just a recreation center, the AYC is an multipurpose community hub. It provides a positive environment, hosts its own local food pantry, and runs a regenerative gardens project—ensuring the community's kids are nourished in both body and spirit.

Having first opened its doors in 2016, it's since evolved quite a bit. Lakota artist Kevin Poor Bear gave the center a makeover inside and out, painting multiple murals in the center and on the food pantry's container.

In 2023, An outdoor basketball court had been installed thanks to generous donors and prominent NBA coach Phil Jackson through his P.D. Jackson Family Foundation.

• Learn more about the Allen Youth Center

Camp Marrowbone

In partnership with the YMCA Seven Council Fires, Camp Marrowbone offers youth the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors for the summer under the loving care of trained Native counselors. The camp provides a vital, safe escape from daily hardships, offering not just youth summer sessions, but also counselor leadership training and family camping experiences.

• Learn more about Camp Marrowbone

Horse Spirit Camp

Led by respected community leader Percy White Plume, the Horse Spirit Camp connects youth with the traditional and healing power of the horse. This program immerses children in Lakota horse culture, fostering emotional healing, discipline, and a deep, spiritual connection to their ancestors and the land.

• Learn more about Horse Spirit Camp

Lakota YouthStay

This unique exchange program broadens horizons by giving Lakota youth the opportunity to travel, experience life in different environments, and share their rich culture with host communities. It builds confidence, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and empowers youth to see the world beyond the reservation.

• Learn more about the Lakota YouthStay