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SOUTH DAKOTA
| Sinte Gleska University P.O. Box 105 Mission, SD 57555 | |
| Phone: | (605) 856-5008 |
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| Fax: | (605) 856-5025 |
| Title: | Sinte Gleska University Family Life Center |
| Project Period: | 08/01/03 - 07/31/06 |
| FLC Director: | Kevin DeCora |
| Target Group: | Students 12-18 |
| The Sinte Gleska University Family Life Center (SGUFLC) seeks to decrease juvenile crime at the Rosebud Reservation by reducing aggressive and/or antisocial behavior among Lakota youth. The SGUFLC serves 35 youth referred by the reservation's two school districts and by the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Court. Academic enrichment is provided through self-directed course work, on-line course work, or skill development in reading and math. The daily curriculum is supplemented with activities on career awareness, health and wellness, and Lakota culture. Weekly group sessions cover topics such as violence prevention, conflict resolution, and substance use/abuse education and prevention. Participants also have supervised access to the University's library and computer lab and school credit is earned for completion of the academic curriculum. Cultural lessons are provided on the history of the Lakota people, the Lakota language, and traditional songs, dance and games, with opportunities to take part in traditional rites and cultural activities. Job-shadowing opportunities are offered both on and off the reservation and sessions are taught on job skills, resume writing and employment search skills. Daily recreational activities reinforce the benefits of a drug-and-alcohol-free lifestyle. As part of the family bonding component, parents participate in monthly Family Day activities covering such topics as communication skills, violence prevention, substance abuse education, and parenting skills; and traditional ceremonies and recreational field trips. Personal development activities focus on self-esteem and anger management. Traditional Lakota leaders and elders help students develop a cultural identity and learn traditional ways of coping with personal and family issues. The three-week Summer Enrichment Program, for participants who will be enrolled in high school in the fall, emphasizes improvement of academic skills. Participants may receive school credit for their work. An additional week long summer camp uses traditional Lakota practices and cultural experiences to help youth deal with substance use/abuse and aggressive or antisocial behavior. The experience is designed to reconnect youth with the natural world and to build on traditional knowledge and ceremonial ways of handling modern pressures. |