RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – More than 70 people gathered earlier this month at the Cheyenne River Youth Project to celebrate the start of the growing season at the Winyan Toka Win (Leading Lady) Garden.
The annual garden blessing brought together youth, staff, elders, and community members for a ceremony grounded in cultural teachings, followed by a shared meal. This year, 63 young people took part in the event alongside the Wakinyan Maza drum group and other community participants.
Organizers say the ceremony is designed to connect generations and begin the season with shared purpose and cultural tradition. Lakota elder Wakinyan Peta provided context for the youth before the blessing, helping explain the meaning of the ceremony.
Youth played a central role in the event, taking part in the blessing and smudging to the four directions as the drum group performed. Staff say the involvement of both younger children and teens helped strengthen the intergenerational experience.
Following the ceremony, participants shared a meal prepared with help from staff and youth volunteers, featuring dishes such as bison roast, mashed potatoes, and pasta salad.
The Winyan Toka Win Garden spans nearly three acres and has supported the community for decades by producing pesticide-free food, supporting youth programs, and promoting Native food sovereignty. Staff are now preparing for the upcoming growing season, which includes continued hands-on learning in planting and harvesting.
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