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"CRYP's History Wall educates and inspires..."

CRYP recently announced the development of a permanent exhibit in the Cokata Wiconi Teen Center that will help to tell the history of the Cheyenne River Reservation. The "History Wall", as the project has been named, will be a selection of historic documents and photographs, displayed chronologically from the eastern end of the building's northern wall, to the western end near the reception area. CRYP hopes that the new exhibit will inspire both visitors and youth participants, by illustrating the strength and fortitude of the Lakota people who have made a home for themselves, despite some of the physical and psychological challenges the community has faced.
 

The design of the Cokata Wiconi Teen Center was inspired by the landscape of Cheyenne River - using natural colors and patterns that reflect (however abstractly) the indigenous flora and overall impression of the high prairie. It seems appropriate that the Teen Center should also make a statement about the people who have inhabited these lands and built their communities upon them.  Visitors will be visually engaged, in a variety of ways, as they move through the building. Ben Cranham, a long-term CRYP volunteer from London, England, is curating the project.

The History Wall will present a broad range of subject matter, including major national or international events with particular significance to the development of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe; major local events involving the tribe or the area covered by the Great Sioux Reservation; traditional Lakota stories; information about Lakota religion, politics, practices and lifeways; and personal stories and experiences. Anyone who has original documents or photographs that are historically significant to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the four Lakota bands is welcome to contact Ben to learn more about how they can contribute.

There are other ways to help as well. CRYP does not have a budget for this History Wall project and welcomes contributions from individuals, businesses and other not-for-profit organizations. Of course, CRYP is always happy to put together a list of needed items for those individuals who would like to contribute "in-kind".

CRYP also is planning to create a southern history wall in the corridor, which will reflect the wider story of the indigenous people of the Americas.

To contact Ben Cranham regarding potential materials for the History Wall, call (605) 964-8200 or send e-mail to bencranham@lycos.com. You can also click on the following link to see a copy of our most recent press release about the History Wall.

For more information about making donations to the CRYP capital campaign, call (605) 964-8200 or send e-mail to julie@indianyouth.org.

Photography:

·                    Curator Ben Cranham meets with Cheyenne River elders Iyonne Garreau, Marcella LeBeau and Hazel Red Bird (left to right) to discuss the Cokata Wiconi History Wall project.

·                    Detail shots of the History Wall, taking shape on the northern wall of the main corridor in CRYP’s Cokata Wiconi teen center.