March 14, 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.” 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 lakotayouth.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, follow the youth project on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Vimeo and YouTube. March 2026: The Cheyenne River Youth Project’s 26th Annual Passion for Fashion, also known as Wačhípí kta Iglúwiŋyeyapi (Youth Get Ready for the Dance), will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, at CRYP’s Cokata Wiconi (Center of Life) Teen Center. This year’s theme is “Barbie.” Colorful and unapologetically bold, the theme provides a playful yet powerful backdrop for celebrating young women and two-spirit youth during Women’s History Month. Artwork from local Lakota artist Tammy “TamiJoy” Granados and banners bearing empowering quotes from the beloved film will surround teens as they enjoy the afternoon and early evening at the teen center. “For generations, Lakota women have embodied strength, creativity and leadership,” said Julie Garreau, CRYP’s chief executive officer. “This year’s theme allows our youth to explore self-expression in a joyful way while also honoring the women who came before them.” Designed for young people in grades 7-12, the event will begin with a catered luncheon featuring chicken chipotle bowls and Garreau’s hand-crafted Barbie cake. Teens also will participate in icebreaking activities with Lakota elder Renee Iron Hawk and listen to keynote addresses from River Gunville and Precious Cook, Miss He Sapa Win 2025-26. After lunch, attendees will head to the Morgan Yellowhead Gymnasium to select prom dresses, other formalwear, shoes and accessories. Volunteers will provide hair styling, makeup and nail services, while community ambassadors will be on hand to connect with teens. “We’ve invited Sacred Heart representatives to return as community ambassadors after leading thoughtful conversations about healthy boundaries during our recent Valentine’s Day community dinner,” said Jerica Jones, CRYP’s programs director. “They’ll offer additional guidance and support throughout the day.” Jones added that CRYP welcomes additional community members who would like to volunteer with self-care services or serve as ambassadors for the event. “Passion for Fashion definitely helps prepare our teens for the high school prom, but at its heart, it’s about mentorship and connection,” she said. “Every year at Passion for Fashion, teens build new friendships, make memories with family members and connect with positive role models of all ages. I think that’s why it has endured for more than a quarter century.” After the evening concludes with the eagerly anticipated fashion show on CRYP’s catwalk, attendees will take home swag bags filled with gifts. For a second consecutive year, Native-led Prados Beauty is generously supporting this year’s Passion for Fashion by providing beauty products to help young people feel confident and celebrated. Cecelia Meadows, Prados Beauty’s founder and chief executive officer, is a Yoeme (also known as Yaqui) entrepreneur and philanthropist who lives and works in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Prados Beauty is a reflection of her belief that beauty can be a force for good; the brand is committed to inclusivity, quality and giving back. For those teens who are unable to attend Passion for Fashion 2026, CRYP will provide private appointments so they also will have access to the formalwear and accessories they need for this prom season. While staff hope to have all donations in house by Friday, March 13, they will continue to accept donations after Passion for Fashion to help serve these additional youth and their families. 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/. Feb. 13, 2026: Spring is on the horizon, and with it comes one of the Cheyenne River Youth Project’s most anticipated traditions: Wačhípí kta Iglúwiŋyeyapi (Youth Get Ready for the Dance), also known as Passion for Fashion. Now in its 26th year, the celebration will take place from 1 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 14 at CRYP’s Cokata Wiconi (Center of Life) Teen Center. To prepare for the event, the nonprofit youth project is launching its annual Dress Drive, inviting supporters to help ensure that every young person can attend the high school prom feeling confident, supported and fully themselves. Passion for Fashion provides teens with formalwear, accessories and self-care services, but it’s so much more than a pre-prom event. It’s a joyful, affirming celebration of Lakota culture and values, family relationships, intergenerational connection and healthy self-expression. “We’re dedicated to helping our young people strengthen their connection to Lakota culture so they can live wólakhota, in keeping with our people’s sacred way of life,” said Jerica Jones, CRYP’s programs director. “When our kids come to Passion for Fashion, they absolutely will find what they need for prom—but they also learn how our heritage, ancestors, stories and values can guide them throughout their lives.” Julie Garreau, CRYP’s founder and chief executive officer, added that creating safe, welcoming spaces has been central to the youth project’s work for nearly four decades. She noted that Passion for Fashion is yet another example of cultural connection and healing through youth programming. “We are in our 38th year as an organization and our 26th year of Passion for Fashion,” she said. “Through many years of experience and working with two generations of children, we know that programs rooted in cultural reclamation, belonging and mentorship are essential for our young people’s healthy development. Everything we do here is deeply rooted in our traditional Lakota culture and values, even a special event geared toward a contemporary American rite of passage like the prom.” On the day of the event, the CRYP team will welcome teens to campus with a luncheon catered by the organization’s own Keya (Turtle) Café, followed by icebreaking activities and a keynote address. Partners will then head to the Morgan Yellowhead Gymnasium to select formalwear, shoes, jewelry and other accessories, and to enjoy self-care services including hair styling, makeovers and manicures. Community ambassadors, volunteers, and family members of all ages are encouraged to attend and participate. Passion for Fashion 2026 will conclude with a fashion show and swag bags filled with special gifts to take home. Dress Drive Needs 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 The team is requesting that all donations arrive in house by Friday, Mar. 13, but the youth project will continue to accept items after that date for young people who are unable to attend the Mar. 14 event. “Our private dress appointments usually run through the end of April or even early May, depending on when the last local prom is scheduled,” Jones advised. To learn more about CRYP’s Wačhípí kta Iglúwiŋyeyapi program, and to make a contribution, 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 www.lakotayouth.org. 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, nonprofit 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. ...read more read less