EAGLE BUTTE, SD — 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.
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